It would come as no surprise if Manchester City already have their sights set on their potential transfer targets for next year.
Manchester City’s longstanding interest in Matheus Nunes, who Juanma Lillo revealed the Sky Blues were keen to sign a year before they secured his services indicates how systematic their recruitment process is.
Pep Guardiola’s men must be ahead of the curve to continue winning silverware and especially after finishing in third place in the Premier League behind Arsenal and Liverpool last season.
Txiki Begiristain admires Hugo Viana, which bodes well for City’s recruitment in years to come.
Real Madrid keeping tabs on Man City target Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton is a player who has been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium.
Adam Wharton with his hands on his hips during Crystal Palace v Liverpool.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Manchester City have been tracking Wharton for months, who has emerged as one of England’s best young players since his move to Crystal Palace in 2024.
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Fabrizio Romano has revealed on his YouTube channel that Real Madrid are monitoring Wharton, who Txiki Begiristain supposedly admired as well.
Romano said: “I don’t think now is the time to say the player is going to move for sure in 2026. The focus of the player is on Crystal Palace, is on playing every single game, is on being an important player for Oliver Glasner and for Crystal Palace, they play European football.”
“Then, in 2026, I will not be surprised if something happens because Premier League clubs but also clubs in Spain including Real Madrid are monitoring Wharton.”
Real Madrid’s chances of signing Man City star Rodri
Jack Grealish must know how brilliant the Crystal Palace midfielder is, having played alongside him once for England.
Manchester City will be hoping to beat Real Madrid to Wharton’s signature if they up the ante to sign the Englishman.
However, Real Madrid are eyeing Rodri as well and City’s insiders reportedly believe he would be open to a return to his hometown if they fail to reclaim their status as an elite side.
If Los Blancos were to sign the Spaniard, whether that would hand the Sky Blues an advantage in the race to sign Wharton remains to be seen.
Manchester City’s priority is to extend Rodri’s contract beyond 2027.
If City can keep Rodri and sign Wharton, they could arguably have two of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League at their disposal.