Crystal Palace reveal Adam Wharton stance amid Man United interest | OneFootball

Crystal Palace Confident Over Adam Wharton Despite Transfer Rumours

Crystal Palace remain calm about Adam Wharton’s future even as whispers of major interest grow across the Premier League and Europe. Sky Sports report that Palace are “relaxed about the future of Adam Wharton amid increasing speculation of interest from other clubs”, confirming that no talks have taken place regarding a fresh contract for the 21-year-old midfielder.

Long-Term Contract Offers Security

Wharton only joined Palace from Blackburn Rovers in 2024, signing a five-and-a-half-year deal that runs until 2029. With four years left on his current contract, Selhurst Park insiders see no urgency to renegotiate. There is, according to Sky Sports, no push from the club “for fresh terms with a release clause to ward off the big European clubs”, nor is Wharton “actively seeking improved terms himself despite his impressive exploits”.

This level of composure stands out, particularly in a market where young English midfielders are attracting astonishing fees. Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is believed to be an admirer of Wharton, while recruitment staff at Old Trafford have shortlisted him as a potential long-term midfield solution. Expect that interest to intensify going into the summer window.

Photo IMAGO

No January Exit Expected

Palace sources insist “any idea of a January exit is not currently on the cards”. That aligns with market reality. As Sky Sports note, “the kind of significant deals and transfer fees it would take for a player like Wharton are more typical of the summer market”. Most elite clubs already have depth in defensive midfield going into the second half of the campaign.

Still, Palace know the score. “Every player has a price and Palace will not stand in Wharton’s way if his hefty valuation is met – as was the case with Ebere Eze in the summer.” Chairman Steve Parish summarised the situation perfectly last weekend. “I think Adam at some point will want to play either in the Champions League with us, if we can make that happen, or probably with another club.”

Planning For All Outcomes

Palace manager Oliver Glasner is building his midfield structure around Wharton, and club insiders insist recruitment planning is already underway in case the youngster’s rise becomes too rapid to contain. “The club would also make sure they have contingency plans for a replacement in place if the former Blackburn star was to depart.”

In truth, Palace may be approaching the ideal position for a club of their stature. They have a prized player tied down on a long-term deal, a manager who has improved his stock further, and a summer auction that could grow into a bidding war. Manchester United will not be the only heavyweight circling.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Crystal Palace fan perspective, this report is as reassuring as it is inevitable. Supporters know how this usually goes. A bright young talent arrives from the Championship, exceeds all expectations in his first season, and suddenly the vultures begin to circle. But this situation feels slightly different. Palace are not panicking. They are not scrambling for release clauses or begging the player to stay. They are in control.

The fact Wharton is not agitating for a pay rise speaks volumes about his character. He comes across as grounded, focused, respectful of the club that gave him his Premier League platform. If he does leave one day, it will be on the right terms, not as a saga that drags into deadline day drama.

Manchester United’s reported interest will cause excitement as much as concern. Palace fans remember when Aaron Wan-Bissaka made that move. Some will ask if Wharton could end up treading the same path. Others might wonder if aiming higher, perhaps at a Champions League club abroad, would be a better fit. Either way, no one begrudges him ambition.

For now, the goal is clear. Keep him happy, keep him starting and quietly dream of Steve Parish’s scenario. Champions League football at Selhurst Park with Wharton as the heartbeat. It sounds outrageous, but so did survival once upon a time.