Manchester United will be just as busy with outgoings this summer as with incomings, and now a Bundesliga side are keen on one of the club’s academy strikers.
Just a few years ago, Manchester United’s academy was front-loaded with top striker prospects, but none have managed to take the next step yet.
Chido Obi had a strong season back in the academy, but this was a backward step compared to his debut campaign. Meanwhile, Gabriele Biancheri’s loan to Rotherham saw him struggle for minutes.
Ethan Wheatley and Enzo Kana-Biyik were also on loan last season. Now one of the strikers is wanted this summer.
Name one SURPRISE signing or exit you want to see at Man Utd this summer
It could be one nobody is talking about yet… Omar Berrada says Ineos are preparing for unexpected transfers"
Ethan Wheatley targeted by Schalke
Wheatley quietly excelled at Bradford City last season on loan, developing gradually as a forward, rounding out his game.
Before this, Wheatley also enjoyed his time at Northampton Town, and the reward for his strong evolution is that he is now being targeted on a permanent basis by Schalke.
This comes according to reporter Pete O’Rourke, who has tweeted an update on Wheatley’s current situation.
He claims that Wheatley is now a target for Bundesliga newbies Schalke, who want to sign the 20-year-old in a permanent deal this summer.
However, United are currently only planning to let the 250th academy graduate leave on loan this summer.
It is also added that Wheatley has a number of other clubs keen on him, which is exciting for the youngster.
Which youngster are you MOST excited to watch during pre-season?
With the World Cup this summer, pre-season will have plenty of academy involvement🔮
How Ethan Wheatley fared at Bradford City on loan
It is interesting that Schalke want a permanent move for Wheatley and it indicates they have been impressed by his loan moves, but also believe he has levels yet to go in development.
In League One for Bradford City, Wheatley scored three goals and made one assist this season, which doesn’t quite do him justice.
Wheatley has developed really strong talents in link-up and drops deep well to be a figure head for play to be built around.
The 20-year-old probably suits Bundesliga football much more than he does English football, and for his career this would be a brilliant move either on loan or permanent.
United should push for a loan or at the very least get a sell-on clause or a buy-back option put into the contract.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
