The Crystal Palace star is a long-term transfer target for Manchester City; Pep Guardiola considers him to be “ideal.”

Manchester City is eyeing Adam Wharton, a rising talent from Crystal Palace and England, as a potential transfer prospect in the future. Wharton, who recently made the move to Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers for £22.5 million in January, has garnered attention with his impressive performances at Selhurst Park. His notable advancement has secured him a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming European Championship. Despite being just 20 years old, Wharton has been chosen to join the 26-man squad traveling to Germany next week. This decision comes as Manchester City surprisingly left out Jack Grealish, one of their key players, from the initial 33-man training squad.

Since joining Crystal Palace, the midfielder has appeared in 16 Premier League matches and played in 26 games for Blackburn in the Sky Bet Championship during the 2023/24 season.

Wharton’s stellar performances at Crystal Palace have sparked fresh speculation about his future, with reports linking him to top European clubs like Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

As the European Championship approaches, interest in the young midfielder is increasing, especially after his impressive display for England against Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park on Monday evening.

Manchester City is expected to bolster their midfield this summer, as rumors swirl about the potential departure of several senior members from Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad, indicating a possible squad overhaul. The Premier League champions have a history of making significant signings from the English top-flight, such as Jack Grealish’s £100 million move from Aston Villa and John Stones’ transfer from Everton.

Wharton could potentially be added to that list, as the 20-year-old has been singled out in Manchester City’s long-range planning. According to Dom Smith, Etihad decision-makers have identified Wharton as a “long-term” transfer prospect, suggesting he fits the bill for the Sky Blues’ midfield, which is due for an overhaul this summer. Pep Guardiola is reportedly dealing with the potential departures of key players like Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne, along with uncertainty surrounding Matheus Nunes. While Manchester City isn’t expected to pursue Wharton this summer, they see him as a potential addition in the future.