Report: Man United ‘willing to pay’ £80m to sign Premier League star | OneFootball

Manchester United’s Push for Adam Wharton: A Game-Changer for the Midfield?

Manchester United’s pursuit of young Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has become one of the more intriguing transfer sagas in recent weeks. Reports from TeamTalk indicate that United have made their move, with an £80 million bid allegedly submitted. Ruben Amorim, now in his second season as United’s manager, is said to be a massive admirer of the player, believing that Wharton could be the perfect fit for his tactical setup. But is this move enough to sway the highly sought-after England international, or will Liverpool, who are also keen, swoop in with a better offer?

Wharton’s Rapid Rise

Since joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024 for £22 million, Adam Wharton has made a significant impact in the Premier League. His performance has rapidly elevated him from a promising talent to one of the most talked-about young midfielders in the English top flight. His ability to control the game from deep, coupled with his impressive composure on the ball, has earned him an England debut in June 2024. He was also included in the squad for the 2024 European Championships, highlighting his meteoric rise.

The Battle for Wharton

While Manchester United appear to be at the forefront of the race, they face fierce competition for Wharton’s signature. Liverpool are known to be watching the player closely, but it doesn’t stop there. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also reportedly placed the 21-year-old on their radar. Wharton’s stock has continued to rise since his move to Selhurst Park, and Crystal Palace are determined to retain their prized asset, especially with a £100 million price tag on the player.

United’s bid, believed to be in the region of £60 million, is well below Palace’s valuation, meaning they will likely have to raise their offer if they are to secure the midfielder’s signature in January. However, with Wharton’s status as a crucial player for Palace, parting ways mid-season could prove difficult, particularly if the price isn’t right.

A Tactical Fit for Amorim’s United

Ruben Amorim has already shown his tactical acumen at Manchester United, successfully implementing a 3-4-2-1 system that relies heavily on midfield versatility. Wharton would slot perfectly into this structure, offering the creativity and composure required to build attacks from deep. United’s need for a long-term successor to Casemiro has been widely discussed, especially given the Brazilian’s age and his impending contract situation. Wharton, with his potential to evolve into one of the world’s top midfielders, could be the solution.

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However, securing Wharton won’t be straightforward. United’s pursuit will likely depend on how much they are willing to invest, both financially and in terms of player development. Wharton could be the key to shaping United’s midfield for years to come, but they will need to navigate stiff competition from other top clubs.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Manchester United supporter, the prospect of signing Adam Wharton is exciting, yet fraught with complications. Ruben Amorim’s system clearly demands a midfielder who can control the game, and Wharton, with his natural passing range and composure under pressure, seems to fit the bill. The player’s rapid rise at Crystal Palace suggests he has the talent to thrive at a club of United’s stature.

However, the transfer fee is a significant hurdle. Palace are reportedly holding out for £100 million, and while that price tag might seem excessive, it reflects Wharton’s importance to their squad. United may need to make a considerable increase on their initial offer to convince Palace to sell in January. Moreover, there’s the issue of competition. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham are all likely to put up a fight for his signature, which could potentially drive up the price even further.

In Amorim’s second season, he must make moves that strengthen United’s core. Casemiro’s influence cannot be overstated, but time is running out for him to maintain his peak performance. If Wharton could become the heir to Casemiro’s throne, it would be a move worth making. However, United’s strategy may need to evolve if they are to match or exceed the offers from rival clubs.

Ultimately, securing Wharton would be a statement of intent from Manchester United. It would show that the club is committed to not only rebuilding their squad but also focusing on young, homegrown talent who can drive them forward. However, whether they can outbid the competition remains to be seen.