Manchester City are often able to sign whoever they want, but Crystal Palace will be breathing a sigh of relief as Pep Guardiola’s side essentially ruled themselves out of the running to sign Adam Wharton.
Over the years, we’ve seen Man City snatch away top talent from their Premier League rivals like Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish, John Stones, and Rayan Ait-Nouri.
With the financial might behind them and the lure of near-guaranteed success, who can blame players for jumping to join Pep Guardiola’s side?
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But, even City might baulk at Crystal Palace’s valuation of Adam Wharton, which is thought to stand at around £100m. And, given the latest update on Rodri’s situation at the Etihad, it’s even more unlikely that Man City will move for Wharton.
Rodri poses with his Ballon d'Or award during Manchester City vs Tottenham
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Rodri contract means Man City will not pursue Adam Wharton
Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is a key figure at Man City, despite his recent injury issues. It’s not surprising, then, that City are set to give Rodri a new contract before January.
Tying down the influential midfielder is a clear signal that Guardiola still intends for Rodri to be heavily involved in his City project moving forward. Indeed, we are told Rodri forms the “spine of the team” and that the club are happy with their squad as it stands.
As such, it’s incredibly unlikely City will be looking to splash out anywhere near £100m on another holding midfielder, even if Wharton does look like the natural successor to Rodri.
With composure on the ball, impeccable vision, the ability to break up play, and a desire to progress the ball up the pitch, Wharton is fast becoming the most highly sought-after midfielder in the league.
He would likely be a huge success if he were to slot into Guardiola’s system. But, with Rodri in front of him, would the young Englishman really want to limit his game time by joining City?
Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton in the Premier League
Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
Adam Wharton should sign for Real Madrid
Crystal Palace are under no pressure to sell Wharton, but there will definitely come a time when the player himself decides it’s time to move on.
However, moving to City, or indeed the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, or Spurs would not be the most appealing transfer for Wharton.
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Instead, he should follow in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham and wait for Real Madrid to come calling. With Federico Valverde playing and excelling in a right-back role of late, there’s every chance the Spanish giants will be on the lookout to add to their midfield roster in the near future.
When they do, we can think of no better player in the world to become the latest signing in this new era of Galacticos.