Adam Wharton is one of the most-wanted midfielders in the world right now.
Tottenham’s recent struggles in the Premier League can be traced back to their problems in midfield under Thomas Frank this season. The Danish tactician has surprisingly continued to deploy Rodrigo Bentancur alongside Joao Palhinha in the centre of the pitch. Frank’s pragmatic approach has also drawn criticism from fans, who want to see their side play free-flowing, attacking football at N17.
Playing Bentancur and Palhinha together makes little sense, especially when the North Londoners are expected to dominate possession and break down teams that sit deep. Both players are defensively minded and tend to perform better when Spurs have less of the ball. At present, there is a clear lack of creativity in midfield for the Lilywhites, largely due to Frank’s insistence on using two holding midfielders in every game.
Tottenham are keen to land Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton in January.
Tottenham are keen to land Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton in January.
There is an urgent need to bring in a midfielder who can thrive in the final third for Spurs during the second half of the campaign. Bentancur, through no fault of his own, is not effective going forward. The Uruguayan lacks the attributes required to influence the game in advanced areas, offering limited creativity and posing little goal threat. As a result, a replacement is needed in the coming weeks.
Tottenham may not land Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton
Recent reports suggest Tottenham have identified €62m Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton as a potential option to replace Bentancur in midfield at N17. The Lilywhites see him as an ideal candidate to play in the #8 role under Thomas Frank. The Danish manager is also keen to make Wharton a central figure in his long-term project at the club, with the promise of regular first-team minutes this season.
Reliable journalist Dean Jones has now shared an update on Spurs’ chances of landing Wharton in the upcoming transfer window. Speaking on the Ranks FC podcast, Jones said:
“They do like Adam Wharton, to be honest. But I’m not sure he would be advised to go and join Tottenham right now. I’m told he’s very much a player that they love and a midfielder is on the agenda.”
Tottenham are closely monitoring Wharton’s situation at Crystal Palace as the England international continues to be linked with a move away from Selhurst Park. However, Jones claims the 21-year-old may not consider joining the Lilywhites at this stage, given the club’s poor form in the Premier League this season. Even so, the North Londoners are not giving up in their pursuit of the midfielder as they look to strengthen their squad.
Besides this, Wharton is heavily linked to Manchester United, who have been keeping tabs on him for quite a while.
A missed opportunity for Tottenham?
Signing a player of Wharton’s calibre should be an easy decision for Spurs. He possesses all the attributes needed to become a world-class midfielder in the future. He has developed significantly during his time at Crystal Palace, playing a vital role in helping the Eagles lift their maiden FA Cup last season. The 21-year-old has continued his impressive form under Oliver Glasner, becoming a key figure in the Palace side as they continue to exceed expectations.
Tottenham fans will be hopeful that their club can secure Wharton’s signature in January as they look to build on last season’s Europa League campaign. He would immediately take Bentancur’s place in the starting eleven, forming a strong partnership with Joao Palhinha in midfield. Operating as a #8, the England international would play a crucial role in helping the North Londoners progress the ball from midfield and link up effectively with the attackers in the final third.