Manchester City look set to send Oliver Whatmuff on loan next season, with a familiar face to the Cityzens likely to benefit from their decision.
The Premier League title hopefuls have had a busy 12 months when it comes to their goalkeeping department, signing James Trafford from Burnley as a replacement for the outgoing Ederson, before snatching Euros winner Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG to become their first choice this campaign.
Whatmuff Could Head To Championship
According to Alan Nixon through his Patreon page, Manchester City are on course to send their young goalkeeper Oliver Whatmuff out on loan in the summer and join Cardiff City, who are closing in on a return to the Championship.
The Bluebirds are currently holding a commanding lead over third place in League One, with only Lincoln City within touching distance of them as they look to battle it out for the third-tier title.
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Former Manchester City academy boss Brian Barry-Murphy is in charge in South Wales, with Nixon noting Cardiff as ‘red-hot favourites’ to secure the services of the 18-year-old goalkeeper, and want him to play games in the second tier.
Whatmuff is currently on loan with National League side Rochdale, and has kept 14 clean sheets so far in his first senior loan move as the Greater Manchester club battle it out for promotion back into the EFL.
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However, Cardiff could face issues in their hopes to sign their key target in the summer, with Premier League sides also circling to make a move for the City prospect.
Both Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford are weighing up making permanent moves for the goalie, but Nixon reports that both would have to pay a ‘very big price’ in order to secure Whatmuff’s services.
Step Up Likely, But Will It Work?
Oliver Whatmuff has been one of, if not the, best goalkeeper in the National League this season, so interest from the EFL was likely to come sooner rather than later.
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Cardiff City serves as an interesting destination to head to, given they are likely to be heading to the Championship next campaign, meaning that the 18-year-old would be making a massive leap up the leagues.
The development of City’s own James Trafford serves as a prime example of getting it right, easing the former Carlisle United man into the EFL with spells at both Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers before Burnley came calling.
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With Nathan Trott set to return to FC Copenhagen back on loan when the season ends, Cardiff need to find their new shot-stopper, and Whatmuff could be that man, especially with the prospect of reuniting with Brian Barry-Murphy.