Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is the likeliest midfielder to make the switch to Manchester City during the January transfer window.
Bookies have priced the England international as the favourite to be brought in by the Premier League champions as a replacement for the injured Rodri.
The odds of Wharton making the switch to the Etihad are currently 6/4, with alternatives such as Atalanta’s Ederson (2/1), Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi (5/2) and Sporting Lisbon’s Morten Hjulmand (4/1) currently deemed less likely (according to Gambling.com).
Wharton is known to be on City’s radar but a lot may depend on whether Pep Guardiola’s side are prepared to stump up the cash for him in the New Year.
How much would City have to pay?
Reports in the summer suggested that Palace may hold out for at least £60m for Wharton, which is considerably more than the £18m that the Eagles paid Blackburn Rovers in January.
However, many believe the midfielder has a very bright future in the game, and City may be tempted to make a move now before other clubs come calling. Liverpool are also said to be keeping tabs on him.
Rice is a big fan of Wharton
Speaking back in June when on international duty at Euro 2024, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice waxed lyrical about his England teammate’s abilities:
“He’s been outstanding. In training, he impressed a lot of the players. He’s so composed and calm on the ball. He played his first half of the season in the Championship, he’s [come into the England team] from Crystal Palace now.”
“I think there’s a difference you can see between players that are top-level players at 20 and players that are just on the cusp of stuff.”
“And he’s top-level, he’s really, really top-level. At 20 years old, he sees a pass early, left and right foot. It’s impressive the way he passes the ball, whether it’s only five or ten yards, there’s just a crispness to it that’s really impressive.”
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
