If Manchester City want to sign another midfielder one player stands out as the prime candidate | OneFootball

It remains to be seen who else Manchester City may sign during the summer transfer window. So far Marcus Bettinelli, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders have signed for City. Those four signings give Pep Guardiola’s squad a new look entering next season. But if Ilkay Gundogan or Mateo Kovacic leave Manchester City this summer, City may be in the market for another midfielder. Looking at who could strengthen Manchester City’s midfield if those two did depart Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton would be the ideal signing for Pep Guardiola’s side for many reasons.

Adam Wharton is a player Manchester City have previously been interested in signing.

Mark Brus has previously relayed a report for CaughtOffside from Mick Brown for Football Insider that Manchester City have an interest in signing Adam Wharton. Furthermore, the CaughtOffside report indicates that Crystal Palace would demand £80 million to sell one of their key players. So if City did decide to move for Wharton he wouldn’t come cheap. But the England international would be a great addition to City’s squad.

First of all, Adam Wharton is one of the top English talents in the Premier League. He figures to be a player that England can build their midfield around for years to come. Wharton is blessed with a wide range of passing which is a key weapon in his game. His ability to pick out a pass is brilliant, especially for a player so young. The fact that Wharton is adept at playing a pass with either foot is also a strong attribute of his play. Wharton’s awareness also stands out as he reads the game well before picking up possession. This side of his game is elite, and if he were to one day sign for Manchester City, it is a part of his game that would further grow under Pep Guardiola’s tutelage.

Wharton is also strong in a challenge and typically plays as a number eight. His ability to read the game helps him out of possession. So if Kovacic or Gundogan were to leave City this summer, Wharton could replace either player. Adam Wharton, being English, is also a massive incentive for City to move for the midfielder. Manchester City’s squad does need homegrown players and Wharton fills that need.

Final thoughts.

If Manchester City were in the market for another midfielder this summer Adam Wharton would be the ideal player to add to City’s midfield. His game looks to be suited to playing in a Pep Guardiola side and at 21 years of age he does have his best years ahead of him. Whether or not it’s a move City would consider if Gundogan of Kovacic did leave the club this summer remains to be seen. Crystal Palace may also not want to sell one of their key players this summer. But Wharton does tick every box required to be a City player. Perhaps it is a move Manchester City will consider in the future if they can’t move for him this summer.