Crystal Palace do not face Manchester City in the Premier League until December 7th – although there is already a reason for the Eagles to be wary of the Citizens.
After Sunday’s 2-2 draw between Manchester City and Arsenal, there are rumours that Rodri will now miss the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign with a cruciate ligament injury.
So, why could this development – which is yet to be confirmed by Manchester City – potentially be an issue for Crystal Palace? Let’s take a look…
Manchester City could accelerate Adam Wharton plans if Rodri is seriously injured
A story from the Evening Standard in June 2024 claimed that Manchester City have made Adam Wharton a long-term target.
Those at the Etihad Stadium earmarked the England international as a player they want to sign later down the line, after Rodri complained of needing more rest, and Kevin De Bruyne openly talked up a move to Saudi Arabia as he nears the end of his career.
The Evening Standard’s story made it sound like a swoop from Manchester City for Wharton would not happen until at least the summer of 2025, although we believe the Citizens could bring these recruitment plans forward if their hugely influential Spain international is seriously injured.
As we all know, Manchester City are capable of spending large chunks of money on players at the drop of a hat, memorably signing Kalvin Phillips in a £50m move from Leeds back in July 2022, before handing the England international just two Premier League starts, and loaning him to West Ham, then Ipswich.
Therefore, it would not surprise us one bit of Manchester City arrived with a bid of at least £60m for Wharton in January, or else Pep Guardiola may struggle to win a trophy this season without Rodri.
Crystal Palace are entitled to demand £100m – at least
If Manchester City do come knocking for Wharton – who Real Madrid also like – Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman are well within their rights to demand a nine figure sum.
It was just over 12 months ago that Declan Rice moved to Arsenal for £105m – while Moises Caicedo then joined Chelsea in a £115m deal.
Therefore, given the fact Wharton has a contract running until July 2029, we are in a strong negotiating position, and should not accept anything less than £100m – especially in a January transfer window.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Manchester City are yet to actually confirm the injury to Rodri – despite reports from the likes of TNT Sports and BBC Sport.
