Not Hall: Chelsea legend thinks £60m-rated Premier League whiz will join Man Utd next year | OneFootball

John Obi Mikel has predicted that Adam Wharton will make the move to Manchester United next year.

The 22-year-old, who’s rated at £60 million by Transfermarkt, stayed at Crystal Palace throughout the transfer window, despite being linked with a host of clubs.

Adam Wharton: The state of play

(Photo via WhoScored)

United were among Wharton’s admirers heading into the summer, but opted against making a formal move.

Instead, INEOS rebuilt Michael Carrick’s midfield through the additions of Andrey Santos, Carlos Baleba and Youri Tielemans, totalling an upfront fee of £148m.

When asked for his thoughts on the Palace starlet, Obi Mikel said on his podcast: “I love him! I love Adam Wharton, I’m a big, big fan.

“I think he’s going to go places, though, I think next season he will leave Crystal Palace. I think they want to keep him for one more season. I see him going to Manchester United next season.”

Wharton no longer a concrete target in M16

(Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Yet, it seems highly unlikely that the Red Devils renew their interest in Wharton.

Given the money shelled out on midfielders this year, INEOS are expected to turn their attention to the defence next time around, having decided against adding any defenders to Carrick’s ranks over the last few months.

It was certainly a controversial decision on their part, as any injury to the backline could have a detrimental impact on Carrick’s season, especially with Champions League football back on the schedule this term.

United’s priority signing for 2027, as things stand, is believed to be Lewis Hall.

He is viewed as the ideal long-term successor to 31-year-old Luke Shaw, who is now in the final nine months of his contract at Old Trafford.