A young midfielder is looming as a potential Manchester City target but is he what they need right now? | OneFootball

With the January transfer window looming on the horizon and City’s issues in midfield being clear for everyone to see it is no surprise to see Manchester City linked with a host of midfielders. The latest to be linked as a potential January target for the world champions is Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. Wharton has shone since arriving at Crystal Palace from Blackburn. There is no doubt that he will likely develop into a fine player. But I believe City need a midfielder who can play immediately. With that in mind, is Adam Wharton the player Manchester City needs right now? That’s debatable based on what the world champions appear to need in Rodri’s absence.

Fraser Gillan has reported for TeamTalk that Manchester City are contemplating moving for Adam Wharton in January. Gillan further reports that Crystal Palace are determined not to sell one of their most important players in January. Despite this fact, Gillan reports that City are likely to be undeterred by Palace’s intentions to keep Wharton at the club. Lastly, Gillan adds that Wharton’s play has impressed Manchester City’s scouts. This makes him a potential target for the world champions.

There is no doubting Adam Wharton’s talent and potential but is he ready to immediately step into Manchester City’s midfield?

The issues with Manchester City’s midfield are clear to see. They were glaringly obvious during their 4-nil defeat to Tottenham on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s squad needs another midfielder. Preferably one that can play as a number 6 and provide cover for City’s defence. Wharton can do that. He’s shown at Blackburn and Crystal Palace just how good he is, and he looms as a player that England could one day build their midfield around. But to step into City’s midfield and fill Rodri’s shoes may be a step too far for Wharton at this stage of his career.

Adam Wharton looms as a player Manchester City could move for next summer rather than in January. He could be a player for City to start the rebuild of their ageing midfield around, or be a new piece of that particular puzzle. But stepping into Pep Guardiola’s squad and playing a prominent role for the world champions in January could be a bridge too far. Wharton is also recovering from groin surgery currently so he may not be ready for such a step up. There is no doubting his talent and potential, it’s just hard to see City spending big in January for a player so young and who possibly can’t contribute at the level required straight away. That’s the issue I see with City potentially moving for Wharton in January.

There is no doubting Adam Wharton’s talent and potential. He has shown just how good he is and likely will be already in his young career. It just doesn’t seem that he’s the player Manchester City need in January. A more experienced midfielder like Martin Zubimendi or Ederson do seem better suited to what Manchester City need right now. Time will tell who City so target in January when the transfer window opens.