Manchester United are reportedly confident of securing the signature of Crystal Palace and England midfielder, Adam Wharton. However, this potential deal comes with a significant condition.
Adam Wharton has rapidly risen to prominence as one of the Premier League's top midfielders since his £22m transfer from Blackburn Rovers in 2024. At just 21 years old, his impressive form played a pivotal role in Crystal Palace's FA Cup victory last season and their ascent into European places this term.
Wharton’s stellar performances have not gone unnoticed on the international stage either. He has already earned three caps for England and is being considered for Thomas Tuchel’s squad for next summer’s World Cup.
Coveted midfielder
Wharton's future at Crystal Palace remains uncertain as several top clubs are vying for his services. Liverpool and Real Madrid have shown interest, but according to Daily Mirror reports, Manchester United seems 'confident' about winning this transfer race.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is expected to sign a new midfielder either in January or next summer. After failing to strengthen his squad in that position during last summer’s transfer window, it appears that Amorim views Wharton as an ‘ideal fit’ for his team at Old Trafford.
However, despite exploring deals for Carlos Baleba and Wharton previously, United decided against any immediate action after spending almost £200m on three attacking players – Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
Condition attached
While Manchester United is prepared to make a £70m move for the young starlet from Palace, there's one crucial condition attached - qualification for Europe. It has been suggested that if Manchester fails to qualify for Europe this season then they may lose out on signing him; given he intends to continue playing in Europe after Palace’s involvement in this season’s Conference League.
Currently, United is without any European football after finishing 15th last term. They are currently sitting at 12th place but are only four points away from the Champions League places in a congested 2025-26 Premier League table.
With the level of interest Wharton has garnered, he can afford to be selective about his future. Manchester United will get another chance to observe him on Sunday when Amorim’s side travels to Selhurst Park, hoping for a win following Monday’s 1-0 defeat against ten-man Everton.
