Report: Crystal Palace expected to resist bids as Liverpool and Real Madrid circle England star | OneFootball

Liverpool Face Adam Wharton Transfer Blow as Palace Dig In

Liverpool’s Midfield Search

Liverpool’s hopes of landing Adam Wharton in January appear set to be frustrated, with Crystal Palace determined to keep their star midfielder until at least the summer. Football Insider report that Wharton, who has become a key figure under Oliver Glasner, is attracting interest from Liverpool, Real Madrid and several other elite clubs.

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Wharton has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season, controlling games with his composure and passing range. At just 21, he is already being tipped for a long England career and is under contract at Selhurst Park until 2029. Palace’s stance is firm: they do not want to lose him mid-season.

“It’ll be highly unlikely that Palace would entertain any offers for Wharton in January,” Football Insider explained on the Inside Track podcast. “He’s a top player, so if he does become available it won’t just be Liverpool in the market for him, it’ll be most of the big clubs in the Premier League and top European clubs.”

Palace’s Reluctance to Sell

Palace have made clear that any deal would require a “huge” fee and that they will resist overtures in January. The London club have already shown their resolve by blocking Liverpool’s move for Marc Guehi in the summer, and sources suggest a repeat scenario is expected if Liverpool attempt a winter move.

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Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown added that Palace are “extremely reluctant” to sanction any sale. With Eberechi Eze already having departed, Glasner is intent on keeping his core players as Palace aim to challenge for more silverware this season.

Summer Seen as More Likely

While January is expected to pass without movement, Liverpool’s interest is unlikely to fade. Midfield remains an area of focus for Arne Slot as he shapes the next phase of his squad, and Wharton is seen as an ideal candidate to complement Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

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Any potential summer deal would not be straightforward given the competition from Real Madrid and other Premier League clubs, but Liverpool are preparing to be at the front of the queue.

Palace Ambitions Growing

Palace’s position is strengthened by their FA Cup triumph last season and Community Shield victory over Liverpool. Steve Parish and the club’s hierarchy believe they are building a squad capable of competing for European qualification, and Wharton is central to that vision.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This feels frustratingly familiar. The club identified Marc Guehi as a key defensive target in the summer only for Palace to pull the plug late in negotiations, and now Wharton looks likely to be out of reach until the summer. There is admiration for Palace’s stance in wanting to keep their best players, but Liverpool’s midfield rebuild is ongoing and Wharton looks like the perfect fit for Arne Slot’s style.

Fans will be wary of delaying too long, especially with Real Madrid and Manchester United also in the mix. Waiting until the summer risks driving up the price or being beaten to the signing altogether. Liverpool have been proactive in other markets, spending heavily on Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, so supporters will expect the same urgency in midfield recruitment.

Ultimately, patience may be required, but there is a strong argument that Liverpool should push hard for Wharton in January, even if it means paying a premium. His ability to control tempo and shield the defence could be decisive in the second half of the season as Liverpool aim to challenge for both the Premier League and Champions League.