Manchester United's Ethan Wheatley emerges as shock 'target' for Bundesliga club after Bradford City loan
Manchester United forward Ethan Wheatley linked with Bundesliga club after underwhelming Bradford City loan spell
Manchester United forward Ethan Wheatley failed to score in any of his 12 appearances on loan at Bradford City - but could reportedly head to the Bundesliga.
The 20-year-old has represented his parent club at senior level and starred for England across various youth levels.
However, loan spells at Walsall, Northampton Town and Bradford have proven somewhat underwhelming. He ended the 2025/26 campaign at Valley Parade, but struggled to provide the firepower required by the Bantams in the final third.
Ethan Wheatley linked with high-profile move
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Wheatley has emerged as a target for newly-promoted Bundesliga club Schalke.
It has been suggested they would like to strike a permanent deal for the frontman, although Manchester United would reportedly like to sanction another loan.
Posting on X, O’Rourke said: “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 Manchester United only want the academy product to go out on loan. A number of other clubs are also keen.”
Ethan Wheatley’s time at Bradford City
The goals did not flow for Wheatley in West Yorkshire but there were glimpses of the ability that has afforded him opportunities at Old Trafford.
Some of his movement proved troublesome for defenders and he drew praise from teammate Antoni Sarcevic in March.
The senior Bantams figure said: “I still think Ethan is doing brilliantly for us. I know he’ll pride himself on goals but I think what he give us to us is really good. The goals will come if he keeps going.”
Bradford’s season ended in League One play-off heartbreak, as they were beaten by Bolton Wanderers across two legs at the semi-final stage. Wheatley did not feature in either leg having been absent for Bradford’s final six games of the regular season.