In the world of football, few teams prepare for the future like Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s empire has been built on planning, precision, and the ability to evolve before rivals even realize change is coming. Every signing has a purpose, every decision a long-term vision behind it. Yet, as City continue to dominate both England and Europe, there is one growing question inside the Etihad corridors: who takes the midfield baton from Rodri when the time comes?
This story is not just about nother potential signing. It’s about the future of Manchester City’s midfield, the legacy of Rodri, and how one young English star could become the next heartbeat of Guardiola’s system
The summer of 2025 was one of renewal at the Etihad. City, still glowing from another Premier League title, spent wisely but aggressively. Sporting director Hugo Viana made sure every department of the squad was upgraded. The goalkeeping position saw the arrivals of Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford, giving Guardiola a mix of experience and youth between the posts. In defence, Rayan Aït-Nouri added flair and speed down the left, while young creative forces like Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders injected fresh attacking energy.
But despite the success of the transfer window, one issue remained unsolved — the right-back position. Guardiola’s tactical experiments often pushed midfielders into defensive zones, but even that didn’t hide the need for a permanent solution. Yet, quietly, there was another area of equal concern: the future of the number six role
For years, that position has belonged to Rodri — the silent engine of Guardiola’s machine. His control, intelligence, and rhythm define Manchester City’s entire playing style. However, after a serious knee injury and with Real Madrid still circling, there is a growing sense that City must prepare for life beyond him.
The Telegraph recently reported that the summer of 2026 could become a battleground for top defensive midfielders. Clubs across Europe will be hunting for their next deep-lying orchestrator, and two names top the list: Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. Both are young, fearless, and technically outstanding — but City insiders believe Wharton is the one who fits Guardiola’s blueprint perfectly.
At just 21, Wharton already plays with the maturity of a seasoned professional. Since joining Crystal Palace, his calmness under pressure, tactical awareness, and passing precision have drawn comparisons to some of the Premier League’s great midfield controllers. He doesn’t just win the ball — he dictates the rhythm, connects defence to attack, and turns defensive recovery into creative opportunity.
City scouts have been tracking Wharton for months, watching him dominate midfield battles with intelligence and ease. His ability to play as both a deep-lying six and a progressive eight makes him especially valuable to Guardiola, who loves flexible players who can shift positions seamlessly.
Sources close to the Etihad suggest that Manchester City could make a move if the price drops below **£60 million** next summer — a fee that looks like a bargain in today’s market for a young English midfielder of his quality. But there’s more to this story than numbers and scouting reports.
Wharton’s rise at Palace has been nothing short of extraordinary. After arriving as a promising teenager, he quickly earned the trust of the coaching staff with his discipline and work ethic. Fans adore his humility — the way he applauds them after every game, win or lose. Managers admire his maturity — how he studies opponents before every match, and how he carries himself like a leader despite his age.
Those traits are exactly what Guardiola craves. For Pep, football intelligence is everything. He often says that talent is useless if a player cannot think faster than his opponent. Wharton’s football brain operates at City’s required level, and it’s easy to see why the club’s recruitment team views him as a natural successor to Rodri.
In fact, Guardiola has quietly spoken in admiration of young English midfielders like Wharton in recent months. During a press conference earlier this season, when asked about the next generation of Premier League midfielders, he simply said, “There are some who already play with the mind of thirty-year-olds.” Many took that as a subtle nod to Wharton’s game awareness.
Still, while City fans dream of Wharton in sky blue, one major factor could determine how fast this deal moves — Rodri’s contract situations
The Spanish midfield general remains one of the most valuable players in world football. Since his move from Atlético Madrid in 2019, he has become Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenant. Every major trophy City have won — the treble, the Club World Cup, the Champions League — has Rodri’s fingerprints all over it.
But football changes quickly. Rodri is now 29, and after recovering from a tough ACL injury last season, there are questions about his long-term workload. Manchester City are desperate to keep him fit and fresh, but his physical demands are enormous. He’s often the first to recover balls, the first to launch attacks, and the last to give up on lost causes.
City have opened talks with Rodri over a new deal, but according to reports from Spain, the midfielder is **in no rush to sign**. Real Madrid, who have followed him for years, still believe he could be their perfect replacement for Toni Kroos. The interest is real — and if City cannot reach an agreement soon, Wharton’s arrival would become even more of a priority.
It’s a delicate situation. City don’t want to push Rodri out, but they also can’t afford to be unprepared. For Guardiola, transition must always be smooth, never forced. That’s why signing Wharton next summer makes perfect sense — not as a replacement, but as an heir. Someone who learns directly from Rodri before eventually taking the mantle himself.
From a tactical point of view, Wharton’s fit at City is almost too perfect. His ability to control tempo, move between the lines, and deliver precise passes into attacking zones mirrors what Guardiola demands from his number six. In matches where Rodri needs rest or rotation, Wharton could slot in without disrupting City’s flow.
He also offers flexibility. Unlike some traditional defensive midfielders, Wharton can push higher up the pitch when needed. That opens tactical options — a double pivot with Rodri, or a rotation where one advances while the other shields. It’s this level of adaptability that excites Guardiola most.
And it’s not just Pep. Inside the club, staff members are reportedly thrilled at the thought of another young English star joining City’s evolving core. With players like Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, and Oscar Bobb already integrated, Wharton would continue City’s investment in youth and domestic talent.
Financially, City can easily afford the move. The club’s summer sales and new sponsorships have kept them within the Premier League’s financial rules. Even with the ongoing scrutiny surrounding their finances, City remain one of the most stable and well-managed clubs in Europe. Spending £60 million on a 21-year-old with Premier League experience and elite potential would be considered an investment, not a risk.
Wharton himself has never hidden his admiration for top clubs. In past interviews, he’s spoken about his dream of competing at the highest level, facing the best midfielders in the world, and one day playing in the Champions League. A move to Manchester City would tick every box — the platform, the manager, and the football philosophy that perfectly aligns with his own.
But Crystal Palace won’t let him go easily. The club’s management know they have a special player on their hands, and if City want him, they’ll have to fight off competition. Brighton, Arsenal, and even Manchester United are reportedly monitoring the situation too. Palace are expected to demand at least **£60 million**, but that figure could fluctuate depending on his form this season.
The Eagles are also aware that Wharton’s stock could rise even higher if he gets a senior England call-up — something that seems inevitable given his consistent performances. If Gareth Southgate or his successor gives him a chance on the international stage, his valuation might shoot up. That’s why City’s interest next summer feels timely. Strike early, before everyone else does
For Pep Guardiola, next summer is already shaping up to be one of strategic rebuilding. His squad remains strong, but whispers of change are growing louder. Bernardo Silva’s future is uncertain. Kevin De Bruyne, now in his thirties, faces constant injury battles. Even Jack Grealish’s long-term place is under internal review. City want to freshen the core without losing identity — and Wharton represents that balance of youth, hunger, and tactical intelligence they need.
It’s no coincidence that City’s scouts have been spotted at multiple Palace games this season. The data reports coming back to the Etihad reportedly highlight Wharton’s exceptional positioning, recovery speed, and decision-making under pressure — qualities that Guardiola values above all else
If Rodri signs a new deal, City’s pursuit of Wharton will still continue — but as part of a long-term strategy rather than a panic move. Guardiola could groom Wharton gradually, much like he did with John Stones and Phil Foden. But if Rodri hesitates or Madrid increase their interest, expect Manchester City to move fast and decisively.
Football often moves in cycles. One era ends, another begins. For Manchester City, the post-Rodri chapter might not be as far away as many think. And in Adam Wharton, they may have already found the perfect player to carry the rhythm, control, and intelligence that define Guardiola’s football.
When next summer arrives, and the transfer market begins to buzz again, all eyes will be on Manchester City. Fans will talk about new wingers, defenders, or even strikers. But inside the Etihad, the real focus will be deeper — in the middle of the pitch, where games are won and dynasties are built.
Because for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, the future might just wear the number six — and his name could be Adam Wharton
