Crystal Palace open to multi-million transfer for player on Manchester City ‘wanted list’ | OneFootball

Manchester City may have been granted a clear pathway in the direction of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window.

A clearer picture is now starting to emerge around City’s long-term midfield planning, with the club continuing to monitor several high-potential Premier League talents as part of their 2026 recruitment blueprint.

Etihad Stadium bosses are expected to remain active in the young-midfielder market following earlier reporting linking the club with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, and other emerging prospects.

Wharton’s profile has been of particular interest to Manchester City recruitment staff, who have looked to add athletic, technically secure midfielders capable of evolving under Pep Guardiola’s guidance. Previous updates have highlighted that City view the 2026 window as a further period of midfield transition, especially with uncertainty around targets such as Anderson and increasing competition from Premier League giants.

Any willingness to negotiate next summer from the part of those at Selhurst Park could therefore present an unexpected strategic opening for the Premier League giants, especially given City’s tendency to move early when rival clubs are circling.

And according to the information of journalist Alan Nixon, Palace will sell Adam Wharton at the end of the ongoing season if a multi-million bid comes in, with the player on the wanted lists at Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City, plus foreign interest.

It is claimed that while Palace were looking at giving Wharton a brand new contract with a fixed price in that agreement, that would not stop the ‘likely’ exit of the young midfielder as Blackburn Rovers watch developments being due a slice of the profit.

From the side of Adam Wharton himself, the report states the player will be open to a move that includes UEFA Champions League football, with the pinnacle of European football seen as his next natural step.

Should Wharton become active on the market next summer, City will likely weigh his situation against their advancing plans for 2026 midfield incomings. Previous reports have pointed to Elliot Anderson as one of City’s leading targets, but with Nottingham Forest aiming to raise their £100 million valuation, alternative options may become important.

Wharton’s openness to Champions League football naturally strengthens Manchester City’s position in any future race, though competition from Liverpool and United remains a major factor.

The player’s growing influence at Palace – and rising value – suggests a multi-million fee will still be considerable, even without a release clause. The shape of City’s succession planning is expected to become clearer, and should Anderson’s price inflate or other targets become unattainable, Wharton may emerge as one of the more strategically favourable options.