Manchester City have been told to push for Crystal Palace midfield sensation Adam Wharton over Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.
Ally McCoist has urged Manchester City to pursue Adam Wharton instead of Enzo Fernandez, arguing the Crystal Palace midfielder is a closer stylistic fit for Rodri.
While speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, McCoist said, “I like him [Wharton] a lot…I think Wharton is more like Rodri than Fernandez is, I don’t think they’re going to get like-for-like now Rodri’s left, he’s the best at what he does. But I think you’d make a case that Wharton [is more like Rodri]. The ball comes to him and the first thing he does is look forward, I really like him, I think he’d be an excellent signing.”
City continue to push for another midfielder
McCoist’s comments come as City continue their search for another midfielder following Rodri’s departure to Barcelona in a deal worth around £65 million. Manchester City have already spent heavily on their midfield this summer, bringing in Elliot Anderson from Newcastle United, while Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi is on the verge of joining them.
Manchester City continue weighing additional midfield reinforcement, with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez among their preferred targets. The Argentina international has been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad, although negotiations have stalled with Chelsea demanding around £120 million.
That valuation would require Manchester City to make another nine-figure investment after already breaking the British transfer record for Anderson. Wharton could offer a considerably cheaper alternative.
Why pushing for Wharton would make sense
The 22-year-old has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting young midfielders since joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024. Technical ability, vision, and composure have established the English international as a core midfielder at Selhurst Park.
Wharton has made 96 appearances for Crystal Palace, registering one goal and 12 assists. He has played an important role in the club’s recent success. The Eagles’ asking price remains unclear, but it is likely to be much lower than what the Blues are asking for Fernandez.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner would bring greater experience and proven attacking output, but Wharton’s ability to control possession and progress the ball could make him a more natural fit. With Manchester City already investing heavily in their midfield, the English midfielder offers a profile closer to Rodri at an affordable fee.