Man Utd striker in high demand after Cobblers loan spell
Ethan Wheatley is set to be a player in high demand this summer following his impressive loan spell at Sixfields during the first half of the 2025/26 season.
The 20-year-old striker joined Cobblers from Manchester United last summer and progressed rapidly after a slow start, so much so he was one of the team’s most important players as Christmas approached, netting three times and helping Town into the top half of League One.
Wheatley was surprisingly recalled from his loan spell at Sixfields in January and subsequently joined Bradford for the rest of the season, however he only made six starts for Graham Alexander’s Bantams, failing to score once, and was not even in the squad for City’s two play-off games against Bolton.
Nonetheless, Wheatley’s form for Northampton has caught the eye of a number of clubs and it seems he’s set to leave United this summer, and potentially might head overseas. The Old Trafford club do not want to lose the England Under-20 international permanently but Schalke, who will be back in the Bundesliga next season after promotion, are keen on his services. They are not the only club chasing the young forward this summer.
Former Sky Sports reporter Pete O’Rourke has explained: “Manchester United forward Ethan Wheatley is a target for Schalke this summer. Schalke are keen on a permanent deal for Wheatley upon their return to the Bundesliga, but United only want the academy product to go out on loan. A number of other clubs are also keen.”