Adam Wharton has further enhanced his reputation with another stellar season at Crystal Palace. The English international is now widely regarded as one of the best young defensive midfielders in the world, and a host of top clubs are after his signature.
Liverpool are one of the most serious suitors for the 22-year-old, but the Eagles remain reluctant to sell. According to Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider, Crystal Palace will demand at least £70 million from the Merseyside club if they knock on their doors to sign Wharton.
Adam Wharton made the move to Crystal Palace at the start of 2024, and he has not looked back since. Not only has the Blackburn Rovers academy graduate established himself as a key figure in their team, but he has also broken into the England national team and is expected to be a part of their squad for the upcoming World Cup.
While Adam Wharton still has over three years left on his deal, multiple clubs are ready to prise him away. The Reds are among the clubs that are interested in signing the 22-year-old, who has been doing wonders at Selhurst Park.
Despite widespread interest in the youngster, the Eagles remain hopeful of keeping hold of him. Meanwhile, Liverpool seem to have identified him as a top target. Having forked out a fortune on six players last summer, the Reds will look to make one or two key signings this time around.
Wharton is believed to be quite high on their wishlist. While Ryan Gravenberch is doing wonders in the holding midfield role, the Merseyside club are looking for more quality in midfield. His arrival will result in more competition for places, and Slot could then use Gravenberch in a more advanced role when needed.
While speaking about Wharton’s future, O’Rourke said, “You’ve got the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and others abroad who are very much interested in Wharton. Palace, I’m sure, are aware of the growing interest in him. They’ll be hoping they can keep him at least for another season as he’s under contract until 2029.
“Palace are well aware of what happens when the bigger clubs come calling for their star players. I think it would be a huge fee to try and prise him away. You’re probably looking at around £70million plus for such a young player who has shown huge potential and can get better as well.
“It’ll be an open race for Wharton if there is any indication he can be prised away from Palace this summer. I think you’ll have most of the Premier League big guns and then you’ll have some of Europe’s top clubs looking at him as well.”
Crystal Palace are hoping they can keep hold of the youngster for another season. However, there are high chances of a top club prising him away. An offer of over £70 million could get a deal over the line, and it will be interesting to see if Liverpool do make an offer in that region. They will have to act swiftly, or else rivals could snap him up.
