Manchester City's young goalkeeper Oliver Whatmuff will spend the 2026/27 season on loan at League One club Stockport County
Manchester City loanee Oli Whatmuff was floored during Stockport County's 1-0 win over Oldham Athletic
Manchester City loanee Oli Whatmuff was floored during Stockport County's 1-0 win over Oldham Athletic(Image: Daniel Powell)
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Manchester City loanee Oliver Whatmuff was on the end of a terrible foul by Oldham Athletic striker Mike Fondop during Stockport County's 1-0 pre-season victory at Boundary Park. After Malik Mothersille had given The Hatters the lead, the hosts were reduced to ten men 15 minutes later.
As Whatmuff attempted to distribute the ball to one of his centre-backs, he had his path cut off by Fondop. Deciding to go long instead, the 18-year-old dropped the ball at his feet and launched it forward. As the ball went upfield, Fondop collided with the goalkeeper, leading with his elbow, dropping Whatmuff to the ground.
The young City goalkeeper quickly bounced back up to confront the striker before the referee produced the red card. As Fondop left the field, he had to be dragged away by his teammates as Stockport boss Jimmy McNulty was left understandably furious by the tackle.
This strange incident comes after a turbulent summer for Whatmuff. Having helped McNulty's former club Rochdale achieve promotion to the Football League in May, the teenager was re-signed by the manager for a new challenge in League One. The initial plan was for Whatmuff to join Stockport after City's pre-season tour of Asia.
Due to the World Cup, City have a limited number of players available for the games against Inter Milan, a K-League XI and Atletico Madrid. This is particularly true in goal, with Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marcus Bettinelli the only senior 'keepers available. James Trafford is currently on his break, but is also finalising a move away from the Etihad Stadium.
Whatmuff's inclusion would provide cover for Donnarumma, while it would also have given him valuable experience. However, Stockport's plans changed after they were forced to abandon a friendly against Bristol City following an Andrew Wogan injury in the closing stages that left them with nobody to replace him.
With Wogan out for weeks, City have allowed Whatmuff to return to Stockport. As for Maresca's team, they have been left short in goal again, so have included trialist Max Chabot in their travelling squad.
The youngster has joined Donnarumma, Bettinelli and academy goalkeeper Jack Wint in Hong Kong. City's first game of the tour takes place on Saturday when they face Inter.
As for Whatmuff and Stockport, they will host Preston North End in their final pre-season game on Saturday. Their campaign then starts the following week in the Carabao Cup when they host Doncaster Rovers.