It is no secret that finding reliable support for Rodri is one of Manchester City’s biggest needs this summer. So far it has a been quiet window from the champions due to the European Championships and Copa America. Now that both competitions have ended the transfer window may click into gear. With that in mind is Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton the ideal player to provide support for Rodri?
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton had an impressive second half of the 23/24 season with Palace. After arriving at the club from Blackburn Rovers last January he firmly established himself as one of England’s brightest young midfield prospects. His form for Palace was so impressive that it earned a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the recently completed European Championships. It is clear that Adam Wharton is a young star on the rise.
Given that he is only 20 years of age the poise of Adam Wharton in possession is a standout attribute of his game. He shows maturity beyond his years with the ball at his feet. Wharton also is capable of defence-splitting balls and his strength and dribbling ability are that of a more seasoned professional. The Crystal Palace midfielder is also capable of dictating a game from midfield which is an attribute that could see him one day slot into Pep Guardiola’s squad. Wharton is also strong in a challenge and is well adept at winning back possession for his team. With these attributes coupled with his age, he is a tantalising prospect for both now and the future.
Is a Manchester City move for Adam Wharton a realistic possibility this summer?
Dom Smith reported for the Standard at the beginning of June that Adam Wharton had emerged as a long-term transfer target for Manchester City. Furthermore, Smith reported that City views the Crystal Palace midfielder as a potential future addition and as an option to rebuild City’s midfield in the future. More recently, Phil Spencer reported for TalkSport that Crystal Palace have no intention of selling Wharton this summer. Spencer adds that Bayern Munich and Real Madrid both have an interest in Wharton alongside Manchester City.
Based on the two reports it doesn’t appear that a Manchester City move for Adam Wharton is a realistic possibility this summer. While he looks to be the ideal player to provide support and learn from Rodri it may not be a move that City could pull off. There is always the possibility that the champions could try and tempt Palace into selling their young midfielder. But that seems to be a long shot rather than a realistic possibility.
Adam Wharton ticks almost every box as a potential Manchester City and one that could provide support for Rodri. But the chances of City signing the Crystal Palace midfielder this summer appear slim. It may be a move the champions visit in the future if Wharton continues to impress at Palace.
