Real Madrid want to sign Crystal Palace star in shock move | OneFootball

Adam Wharton’s Growing Reputation and Real Madrid Links

AS recently reported that Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, a midfielder who has quickly become one of the Premier League’s most admired young talents. With Toni Kroos retired and Luka Modric moving on, Xabi Alonso’s squad is in need of a conductor in midfield, and Wharton fits the description perfectly.

Madrid’s Midfield Search

As AS highlighted, “that central midfielder who takes the helm, tempers and channels matches” remains the missing piece in Madrid’s plans. Wharton, at just 21 years old, offers a rare blend of vision, composure, and technical quality. His performances since arriving from Blackburn have earned him the nickname “The Pirlo of Blackburn”, an early sign of how highly he is regarded.

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However, the cost will not be cheap. AS make clear that “for less than €80 million, Crystal Palace won’t pick up the phone.” Madrid’s recent spending means any move is dependent on a significant sale, with Rodrygo’s situation potentially playing a role in balancing the books.

Interest Across Europe

It is not only Madrid who are circling. AS note that “City, Liverpool and, above all, United” are all seriously interested in the midfielder. Guardiola himself added weight to the hype, saying: “He’s an excellent midfielder. His impact has been very good since moving from the Championship to the Premier League. And he has a brilliant left foot.”

With Palace financially secure after selling Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, there is little urgency for them to sell Wharton. His contract runs until 2029, ensuring the club hold a strong position in negotiations.

Why Wharton Stands Out

Beyond his youth and technical qualities, it is Wharton’s maturity that impresses most. AS point out how he “led a Palace team to the FA Cup and Community Cup in his first year in the Premier League.” Blackburn academy boss Stuart Jones summed it up best: “He sees things that others don’t, and he’s shown that since he was a very young boy.”

Madrid may be dreaming of Wharton, but they will need both finances and patience if they are to prise him away from Selhurst Park.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Crystal Palace supporter’s perspective, the constant speculation around Adam Wharton is both flattering and frustrating. On one hand, it is a sign of how far the club has come—just a year ago, Wharton was a £21 million signing from Blackburn, and now he is being linked with Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Manchester City. On the other hand, fans know how vital he already is to the team’s identity and structure.

Palace fans have seen this before with the likes of Wilfried Zaha and more recently Eberechi Eze. The club managed to hold on to Zaha for years despite constant rumours, but Eze’s departure shows that even the best-prepared club can be vulnerable when Europe’s elite come calling.

Wharton, though, feels different. His contract until 2029 means Palace have full control, and the club has no financial need to sell after the Eze windfall. For fans, this creates cautious optimism that Wharton might at least remain for another season or two to continue his development in South London.

That said, the reality of modern football is that interest from Madrid, City, or United eventually becomes irresistible. Palace fans would hope that if Wharton does leave, it will be on the club’s terms and for a record fee that reflects both his potential and his growing influence in the Premier League.

Until then, supporters will cherish every moment of watching a midfielder who, in the words of Stuart Jones, “sees things that others don’t.” Wharton may be on Madrid’s radar, but at Selhurst Park, he’s already the heartbeat of the team.