Crystal Palace fans have had plenty to cheer about since the turn of the year, but there’s one name that keeps making the headlines: Adam Wharton.
Wharton’s intelligence in possession and ability to break lines with his sublime passing has made him a standout performer for Palace and one of the most exciting young midfielders in the Premier League.
His brilliance has not gone unnoticed by Thomas Tuchel either. Wharton’s performances look to have caught the eye of the new England manager after the former Chelsea boss was spotted twice at Selhurst Park in recent weeks, further fuelling speculation that the German sees Wharton as a key figure for the national team moving forward.
For Wharton, being rewarded with a call-up ahead of friendlies against Albania and Latvia could present a golden opportunity to make his mark on the international stage and become a key player for England’s new man in the dugout. While the Three Lions’ midfield options remain strong, there is a clear need for a deep-lying playmaker alongside Arsenal’s Declan Rice, something Tuchel may be considering with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
This could be just the latest chapter in a meteoric rise for the 21-year-old midfielder who has been nothing short of sensational since his arrival from Blackburn Rovers, showcasing composure, intelligence, and technical brilliance well beyond his years. Palace already fended off interest last summer from Manchester City, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool but may struggle to keep a hold of Wharton after becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents.
Reports suggest City and United are particularly keen on revisiting their previous interest, with both clubs searching for midfield reinforcements. Meanwhile, Real Madrid — who have a track record of securing the best young talents from around the world — are also rumoured to be keeping tabs on the youngster. With Luka Modrić nearing the end of his career, Eduardo Camavinga’s season hampered by injuries, and Aurélien Tchouaméni frequently deployed in defence this season, Real could see Wharton as a long-term solution for their midfield.
As Wharton’s stock rises, it would not be surprising if Palace demanded a club-record transfer fee this summer, surpassing previous big sales including Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s switch to United and Michael Olise’s recent move to Bayern. Additionally, with growing interest from Europe’s top clubs, the reality is that keeping hold of Wharton could become increasingly challenging.
For now, Palace fans will relish watching their midfield maestro continue to develop, while also anticipating the transfer saga that will unfold when the time comes. Whether Palace can fend off suitors or cash in on their prized asset will be one of the biggest storylines of the summer, but one thing is clear: Wharton’s future looks incredibly bright.
