Manchester United are one of the clubs being heavily linked with Crystal Palace sensation Adam Wharton, who continues to impress in the Premier League amid widespread belief it could be his final season at Selhurst Park.
Ever since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became Manchester United co-owner and Ineos gained full control of football operations at the beginning of 2024, there has been a shift in transfer strategy at Old Trafford.
Along with appointing a younger head coach than Erik ten Hag, Ineos are prioritising younger targets in the transfer window, as seen with Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Diego Leon.
That’s a clear sign of long-term planning because United are working on building a team for future success, with a few experienced players thrown into the mix.
Amorim also added players with Premier League experience to his squad during the summer. Matheus Cunha arrived from Wolves, and United agreed a deal with Brentford to sign Bryan Mbeumo.
United had other Premier League players on their list, including Liam Delap and Carlos Baleba.
Baleba remains a United target despite Brighton demanding £100m for the young midfielder’s signature.
Adam Wharton playing against Everton in the Premier League
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Man Utd and Real Madrid eye Adam Wharton
Following a January 2024 switch from Blackburn Rovers to Crystal Palace, Adam Wharton became a revelation and now stars regularly in a team thriving in the Premier League under Oliver Glasner.
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Still, Wharton was overlooked by Thomas Tuchel in the latest England squad even though he has been among the Premier League’s top performers this season.
United have been linked with Wharton in the past, after enquiring about Wharton after it was made clear Brighton would not sell Baleba for a reasonable price.
Sadly, United’s enquiries for Wharton were pushed back, but that doesn’t mean they’ve given up on the promising England starlet.
Fresh reports from Spain suggest United have fresh competition for Wharton’s signature.
According to AS, Real Madrid view Wharton as their next midfield target as they try to revamp their midfield after years of dominating Europe with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric pulling the strings in the middle.
It is understood that price isn’t an issue for a player they rate so highly, aged 21, who fits into the club’s transfer policy of recent years.
The Spanish giants believe Wharton is a similar profile to Modric: dynamic and capable of attacking, left-footed but with good right-footed skills.
Wharton is under contract at Crystal Palace until 2029, and more clubs are expected to join the race.
United’s midfield has been a weakness, and it seems like Bruno Fernandes is being shoehorned into a deeper role following the arrival of two number 10s. Wharton could be the ideal signing to help address that.
Crystal Palace plan to offer new deal to Adam Wharton
Only time will tell if United will target Wharton in 2026 because a lot can happen in football, but Ineos might be able to secure a deal for a reduced fee.
Football reporter Ben Jacobs believes there will be a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ that will become active next summer, allowing Wharton to leave Crystal Palace for £60-65 million.
However, there have been no more specifics revealed on that agreement between the player and his present club.
The earlier report from Spain suggests that Real Madrid believes he could cost £5m more than that.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail claims Palace are planning to offer Wharton improved terms and a potential release clause, while citing interest from Liverpool, Chelsea and Man City.