Everton is reportedly preparing a proposal to sign Ethan Wheatley, the 20-year-old striker currently under contract at Manchester United.

What we know about the deal

Wheatley, born on January 20, 2006, stands at 6 ft 2 in and plays as a centre-forward. He signed his first professional contract with Manchester United in January 2024 and extended that deal in March 2025, tying him to the club until June 2028 with an option for an additional year.

Wheatley has logged just 3 Premier League appearances for Manchester United, registering zero goals and zero assists.

His loan spells tell a slightly more encouraging story. Wheatley has spent time at Walsall, Bradford City, and most recently Northampton Town, where he contributed 3 goals in 22 appearances during the 2025/26 season.

Why Everton, and why now

At Manchester United, he’s competing for minutes with established senior strikers and a pipeline of academy players all vying for the same limited opportunities. At Everton, the pathway to the first team could be significantly shorter.

The financial and market angle

The transfer fee for a player like Wheatley, contracted until 2028 with an option year, won’t be trivial. United’s negotiating position is strong. They can afford to demand a premium or simply keep the player and continue his development through loans.

Investors and fans watching this space should pay attention to the contract structure of any potential deal. The presence of performance-based clauses, sell-on percentages, and buy-back options would signal how both clubs view Wheatley’s long-term value.