As the summer transfer window approaches, the footballing world is buzzing with speculation surrounding young midfielder Adam Wharton. The 21-year-old Crystal Palace star has caught the attention of several Premier League giants, including Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool, all eager to bolster their squads. However, any club hoping to secure his services will have to meet a hefty price tag set by Palace, who value Wharton at a staggering £100 million.
Since joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024, Wharton has quickly become one of the Premier League’s most promising talents. His performances have not only impressed fans but also earned him a spot in England's squad for Euro 2024. Despite facing a challenging period where he was sidelined from November 2024 to February 2025 due to groin surgery, Wharton has bounced back with remarkable form, showcasing why he is considered one of the best young midfielders in the league.
According to TBR Football, Palace has made it clear to potential suitors that they see Wharton as a player worth £100 million, a figure that aligns with the current British transfer record of £105 million, set when Arsenal acquired Declan Rice from West Ham United. The Eagles have reportedly informed clubs that any serious inquiries about Wharton will need to involve record-breaking offers, as they are not keen on parting ways with their star player.
Wharton’s rise to prominence has been meteoric. In just over a year, he has established himself as a key figure in the Palace lineup, demonstrating a blend of tenacity and skill that has drawn comparisons to some of the league's top midfielders. His statistics speak volumes about his impact on the pitch: he averages 0.16 assists per 90 minutes, 3.53 shot-creating actions, and an impressive 7.91 progressive passes. Defensively, he contributes significantly with 3.2 tackles, 1.34 interceptions, and 1.87 clearances per game. These figures place him in the upper percentiles among his peers, highlighting his all-around capabilities.
Marc Guehi, Wharton’s teammate, recently praised his talent on Sky Sports, stating, "Adam’s passing… Adam is again similar to like Ebs (Eberechi Eze), very laidback guy, really nice guy. But on the ball, unbelievable. His vision, his ability to find that last pass, yeah he’s a really top player." Such endorsements from fellow players underscore Wharton’s growing reputation as a formidable midfielder.
While Manchester City has been closely monitoring Wharton, they are not alone in their pursuit. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool have all expressed interest, each looking to add depth to their midfield ranks. Chelsea had previously been keen on signing Wharton when he was still at Blackburn, and their interest has reignited following his impressive performances with Palace.
However, the report from TBR Football does not mention Manchester United’s ongoing interest in Wharton, despite their persistent links to the midfielder. This could be attributed to financial constraints, as Palace’s valuation might be too steep for the Red Devils, who have been looking to strengthen their squad but may not have the budget to meet the £100 million asking price.
As it stands, Wharton is under contract with Crystal Palace until 2029, giving the club significant leverage in negotiations. His commitment to the club and lack of urgency to leave have placed Palace in a strong position, allowing them to demand top dollar for their rising star. Wharton himself has expressed focus on solidifying his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which adds another layer of complexity to his potential transfer.
Despite the swirling rumors and interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world, it appears that Wharton is not in a rush to leave Selhurst Park. He has made it clear that his immediate focus is on his development and contributing to Crystal Palace’s success. This summer could prove pivotal, not just for Wharton, but for the clubs vying for his signature. With the transfer window looming, all eyes will be on the young midfielder and how his situation unfolds.
The excitement surrounding Wharton’s future is palpable, and as clubs prepare to make their moves, the football community is left to ponder whether any of them will be willing to meet Crystal Palace’s lofty demands. Will Wharton remain a key figure for Palace, or will he embark on a new chapter in his career with one of the Premier League’s elite? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Adam Wharton is a name that will continue to be at the forefront of transfer discussions this summer.
