Crystal Palace set £80m price tag on midfielder | OneFootball

Adam Wharton Bidding War Brews as Liverpool, United and City Circle

There is something beautifully incongruous about the modern transfer market. A 21-year-old with half a Premier League season behind him can now command an £80 million price tag, not because he is a global superstar—not yet, anyway—but because he might become one. Adam Wharton, the latest midfield prodigy off the Selhurst Park conveyor belt, is causing a stir. And TeamTalk reports that Liverpool are ready to stake a claim in what promises to be a fraught and fiercely competitive summer.

Wharton’s emergence has been quick, but not quiet. His commanding display in Crystal Palace’s 3-0 demolition of Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final didn’t just put him on the radar — it likely underlined his inevitability. Manchester United and Manchester City are also circling, but Liverpool, under Arne Slot, have identified Wharton as the long-term solution in the number six role.

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Valuation Reflects Ambition

Palace, understandably, aren’t entertaining charity bids. “Sources have made clear that Palace value Wharton extremely highly.” He is contracted until 2029, with no release clause — a situation that gives them leverage and plenty of it. Think Declan Rice. Think Moises Caicedo. Clubs don’t want to sell. But if they must, it won’t be for less than £80 million.

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Liverpool’s Midfield Restructure Continues

Slot’s plans are taking shape. Wharton would compete with Ryan Gravenberch, but this move is about more than depth. It’s about power, poise and future-proofing. Liverpool’s midfield has already evolved, adding Szoboszlai and Mac Allister. Wharton represents the next evolution, with the energy to anchor a new pressing system.

United and City Factor In

United’s interest is real, but they’re unlikely to make a bid of this magnitude without major sales, as PSR pressures weigh heavily. City? They admire Wharton, but with Rodri returning next season, it would require a change in strategy or a long-term plan to justify that kind of spend.

Palace’s stance is resolute: “They feel that Wharton will develop into one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League.” And when a club believes that, the price goes up — and stays up.

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Let’s be honest — we all knew this was coming. When a 21-year-old runs the show against Aston Villa at Wembley, you’re not going to keep him under wraps much longer. But what’s pleasing, for a Palace fan, is that this time they’re doing it right.

Adam Wharton is theirs. Contracted until 2029, no release clause, and a valuation that shows they’ve learned from the past. £80 million isn’t wishful thinking — it’s market reality. Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo — if they’re worth over £100 million, then Wharton, who’s arguably got more composure on the ball than both at this age, deserves every penny of that valuation.

The temptation is to sell too soon. But for once, Palace are in control. Whether it’s Liverpool, City, or United — if they want him, they pay the going rate. And until then, Palace build around him.