- Schalke want to sign Man Utd striker Ethan Wheatley
- English youngster spent this season on loan at Bradford
- Reds don’t want to sell
Manchester United striker Ethan Wheatley might be on his way to the Bundesliga in the summer transfer window. The English forward spent the second half of the season on loan at EFL League One outfit Bradford City.
According to transfer expert Pete O’Rourke, Schalke are looking to sign Wheatley on a permanent deal. The Germans have returned to the Bundesliga and are showing interest in the 20-year-old.
Wheatley is a product of United’s youth academy and has made four senior appearances. While on loan at Bradford, he didn’t manage a goal in his 12 appearances.
Schalke want Wheatley
United’s stance over Wheatley is that they only want the youngster to out on loan again. Schalke aren’t the only club showing interest and the suggestion is that some are keen on signing him on loan.
United are thought to be ready to swoop for an experienced number nine to help give Benjamin Sesko much-needed backup. They ideally want to sell Joshua Zirkzee and replace the Dutch attacker with a veteran frontman.
That might be why the Reds aren’t keen on selling Wheatley and would rather send him out on loan. He impressed at youth level but is still raw and needs to continue his development before making the step up to Michael Carrick’s first team.
A wise loan
The Bundesliga could be a good destination for Wheatley to grow out on loan. Schalke are back in the German top-flight and competing at a high level will only help the young Englishman.
The Stockport-born striker’s contract runs until the summer of 2028, meaning the Reds don’t need to consider cashing in just yet. But he isn’t ready for Carrick’s first-team and another loan spell could help him take steps towards competing with Sesko for a starting berth.
Wheatley isn’t the only young forward who might benefit from time out on loan. Chido Obi has encountered a topsy-turvy start to his Old Trafford career, dropping back down to the U21s after a brief period with the senior squad.
