Palace need to adopt a big-boy mentality to negotiationsplaceholder image
Palace need to adopt a big-boy mentality to negotiations | AFP via Getty Images
Real Madrid are said to be interested in a move for one of Crystal Palace’s best players.
Crystal Palace are now rather used to their players attracting interest from top clubs. The Eagles have built a squad many will be envious of, even after the departure of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal over the summer.
Oliver Glasner led his men to FA Cup success last season, and this season European success is the aim, along with at least a top-half Premier League finish, while many will be hoping to compete for European qualification.
It’s so far, so good on that front with Palace having started the season in excellent form. Glasner’s men lost their last outing, against Everton, but that was their first defeat of the whole season across all competitions.
Palace will be looking to kick on after the international break and to get back to winning ways, but in the meantime, transfer rumours are already picking up ahead of the January transfer window. Marc Guehi is likely to dominate headlines going into that window, but another player who is reportedly attracting interest is Adam Wharton.
The report speculates that €80m (£69.3million) is the lowest price for Wharton but that money is not an issue for Real Madrid as they look to further bolster their midfield.
Palace must ramp up the price for Wharton
If Palace are to sell Wharton, they should be slapping a mammoth price tag. He is 21 years of age and already showing that he has the potential to be one of the best in his position, and a valuable position no-less.
Teams have really prioritised the holding midfield roles in recent years, and we have seen Chelsea and Arsenal pay more than £100million for Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice respectively.
Given his age, Wharton can still aim for that kind of trajectory, and there is no need for any smaller club insecurity. If Brighton and West Ham were able to get more than £100million, Palace can certainly aim for that, now in Europe and clearly edging towards being a contender for a European spot.
There could be a factor of Wharton wanting to take the opportunity of joining Real Madrid, but if Palace want to become a big club, they must stand firm by their valuations and demand premium fees for their best players.
Wharton is one of those, already one of the best operators in his position in the Premier League, and his age means his valuation should be very high, especially when we are talking about Real Madrid.
Grealish praise
Even some of the most dangerous Premier League players have recognised Wharton’s ability. Jack Grealish said after he and Everton defeated Palace this week: “They have some unbelievable players.
"I think Adam Wharton today, I can see the Man of the Match award there, I think it's coming to me but I think it should go to Adam Wharton because, in my opinion, he was the best player on the pitch today."
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