Real Madrid are preparing a £52m (€60m) offer for Crystal Palace midfielder and Liverpool target Adam Wharton, according to Spanish publication Fichajes.
The Santiago Bernabeu side have reportedly identified the England international as their main target to bolster their midfield in 2026 and are prepared to spend heavily to secure Wharton amid his growing Premier League stature.
Wharton has established himself as one of the league’s most promising central midfielders and helped Palace win their first major trophy to date last season, lifting the FA Cup at Wembley.
Alongside Liverpool, Real are said to be particularly impressed by the ‘phenomenal’ 21-year-old’s profile, with Xabi Alonso keen on signing a player of Wharton’s style, capable of breaking attacking play and providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid Keen on Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton
According to Fichajes, Wharton has no shortage of suitors across the continent following his promising season at Selhurst Park, with both Real Madrid and Liverpool keeping a close eye on his development.
A potential bidding war is anticipated between the two Champions League clubs next year, with Wharton representing a midfielder profile that is difficult to find in today’s market.
Real have undergone a significant squad rebuild over the last two summers, focusing on rejuvenating the first-team squad with top-tier talent.
Los Blancos welcomed the likes of Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono during the summer transfer window, while Endrick and Kylian Mbappe joined last year.
Wharton, who joined Palace from Blackburn in January 2024, has made 49 appearances for the Eagles to date, including three Premier League starts this season.
The 21-year-old midfielder is under contract until the summer of 2029, giving Oliver Glasner's side a strong negotiating position if any interested clubs come calling next year.
Summer business at Selhurst Park saw Palace sell star forward Eberechi Eze to Arsenal and nearly part ways with captain Marc Guehi, whose £35m move to Liverpool was called off at the very last minute.
Regarding incomings, Palace signed promising La Liga forwards Yeremy Pino and Christantus Uche, as well as 19-year-old centre-half Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse.
Deals were also struck for veteran goalkeeper Walter Benitez on a free transfer, while left-sided defender Borna Sosa arrived from Ajax.
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