Bradford City have provided a transfer update on Manchester United starlet Ethan Wheatley in an official statement.
Loan stint
Wheatley joined Bradford during the January transfer window and has spent the latter half of the campaign with the Bantams.
He was at Northampton Town for the first half of the campaign, having signed for them last summer.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United considered Wheatley’s loan spell at Northampton a success but they felt his development would be best served by going somewhere else.
Kevin Nolan, who was manager at the time before he was sacked on 9 March, expressed his disappointment with United’s decision to recall Wheatley.
The United academy product made 37 appearances for Bradford in all competitions, contributing three goals and four assists in a season that saw him earn regular senior playing time in the tough League One setting.
Bradford released a statement on Monday, confirming that Wheatley has returned to United following the conclusion of his loan stint.
Wheatley update
Graham Alexander’s side announced their retained list after the 2025/26 season and included the United striker among the players departing Valley Parade this summer.
The club’s statement reads, “The club would like to take this opportunity to thank all departing players for their efforts while at Bradford City AFC, and wish them the very best for the future.”
United now face a call on Wheatley’s future ahead of the summer window. The Red Devils can either keep him and look to get him involved with the first team under Michael Carrick next season, or loan him out.
If suitable offers arrive and the striker expresses a willingness, United could also potentially explore a permanent sale and use the money from his exit to strengthen the squad.
Wheatley became the 250th academy graduate to feature for United’s first team when he came off the bench during a win over Sheffield United in April 2024.
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