According to Pete O’Rourke, Bradford City have agreed a loan deal for Manchester United forward Ethan Wheatley.
As the Bantams look to strengthen their squad ahead of the transfer window deadline and a potential pursuit for promotion in the second half of the season.
Now, with the move of the forward potentially happening on deadline day, this article aims to give you an insight into the Manchester United player’s career so far and his statistics.
Ethan Wheatley, who has been a part of Manchester United’s academy since the 2021/22 season, appeared three times in the Premier League within the 2023/24 season and picked up one appearance in the EFL Cup last season.
Following this, the 20-year-old carried out his first loan spell of his career at Walsall in the 2024/25 season, with him only making four appearances.
This season, before his loan was cut short at League One side Northampton Town, he managed to make 25 appearances, with him netting three times and contributing to two assists in all competitions.
The forward’s spell at Northampton is still classed as League One experience that can arguably help Graham Alexander’s side in potentially being promoted to the EFL Championship.
The 20-year-old could potentially add a clear attacking threat to the Bantams.
This Judgement comes because he scored three goals in League One this season. His statistics also show he made 29 shots with 12 of these on target, in only 25 appearances.
Furthermore, Wheatley had 90 touches in opposition boxes in his time at Northampton this campaign.
This could be especially useful in crossing situations and scenarios where the ball is played to him, which are included in Bradford’s gameplay.
It can be argued that Graham Alexander’s side, on occasions throughout the start of the campaign, have lacked a clinical touch up front and depth in attacking midfield options.
With Will Swan out with a long-term injury and Antoni Sarcevic out with a short-term injury following the Bantams 2-1 loss against league leaders Cardiff City, they are lacking depth up front and in midfield.
Furthermore, some people could argue that the 20-year-old suits the Bantams playstyle of attacking football and high pressing, with him holding the ability to link up play and run in behind defences.
However, questions could arise about the forward picking up an injury in his loan spell at Northampton Town, which could mean that Wheatley may not be fully fit and able to hit the ground running straight away.
Which the Bantams need this in their tough run of fixtures coming up, and because they are lacking depth and quality up front and in midfield.
With these fixtures considered, Wheatley is potentially a great addition for the Bantams as they look to solidify their place in the race for promotion.
However, with him holding an injury and arguably lacking fitness, could his impact be limited?
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