Manchester City are set to recall young goalkeeper Oliver Whatmuff from his loan at Stockport County just days after the deal was announced, as the Premier League champions need cover for their first-team squad during pre-season. The season-long loan was officially confirmed on Wednesday, but the 18-year-old is expected to join City's tour of South Korea rather than report to Stockport's training ground.
Whatmuff to join City's pre-season tour
Whatmuff will likely be in Seoul at the beginning of August, not Stockport, as manager Enzo Maresca needs additional goalkeeping options. With No. 2 James Trafford away with England in the United States and City returning to training in just over a fortnight, Whatmuff has been chosen as cover. He will report to City in the week of July 20 and is expected to travel to Asia for the two-week tour.
Gianluigi Donnarumma is available as Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup, and third-choice Marcus Bettinelli is also free to travel. City have also shown interest in academy graduate Pierce Charles, who has spent five years at Sheffield Wednesday.
Complicated start at Stockport
The recall complicates Whatmuff's reunion with new Stockport manager Jimmy McNulty, who previously coached him at Rochdale. City return from South Korea on Monday, August 10, while Stockport's first League One game is Saturday, August 15, with an EFL Cup fixture before that. The logistics mean Whatmuff may have limited time to integrate with his new teammates before the season begins.
However, Stockport were aware of the situation when agreeing the loan. McNulty remains enthusiastic about the goalkeeper, having seen him help Rochdale win promotion back to the Football League with a penalty shootout victory at Wembley last season.
McNulty praises Whatmuff's mentality
“Before working with him at my previous club, I believed he was an elite goalkeeper, and now after working with him for the season, that belief has only grown,” McNulty said. “He's a super talent, with a blend of attributes both in and out of possession which will really help the team. But what stands out even more is his mindset. He's a winner. His mentality is way beyond his years. That's what excites me about him the most.”
Whatmuff's loan spell is intended to give him regular first-team football, but his immediate priority will be helping City prepare for the new campaign. The teenager's development remains a key focus for both clubs, with McNulty confident he will make an impact once he finally joins up with Stockport.
