Adam Wharton is reportedly preparing to leave Crystal Palace this summer, with sources indicating rising interest from major European clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool. The 22-year-old midfielder, who arrived at Selhurst Park from Blackburn Rovers in early 2024, has become a central figure in transfer speculation as he enters the final three years of his contract.
Reports suggest Wharton feels ready to step up to a club competing in the Champions League. His performances this season have consistently attracted attention from top sides, particularly as Manchester United seek to rebuild their midfield following Casemiro’s announcement that he will depart Old Trafford at the end of the campaign. Liverpool have also been linked with Wharton as they plan for a new era amid potential managerial changes. For those interested in how away match dynamics might influence betting markets on such transfer sagas, several betting sites have adjusted their odds accordingly.
Wharton has played a pivotal role for Palace throughout the 2025/26 season, making 41 appearances across all competitions under Oliver Glasner. He has provided seven assists and established himself as a key creative force in midfield. With Palace preparing for a Europa Conference League quarter-final against Fiorentina, Wharton’s contribution remains crucial even as speculation about his future intensifies.
Manchester United’s pursuit of Wharton is part of a broader strategy to strengthen their midfield with Premier League-proven talent. The club’s recruitment focus has shifted toward young domestic players with established top-flight experience, following Casemiro’s impending exit and Manuel Ugarte’s expected sale. United legend Nicky Butt recently commented on the club’s midfield options, naming both Wharton and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson as strong candidates but expressing a preference for Wharton due to his technical ability and composure under pressure.
Butt emphasized that Wharton’s Premier League experience and tactical versatility make him an ideal partner for Kobbie Mainoo in United’s evolving midfield. “I really do like Adam Wharton, I’d prefer him over Elliot Anderson… If you look at the history of Man United, they always bought the best young players in the league,” Butt said, referencing previous successful signings such as Roy Keane and Michael Carrick.
The competition for Wharton’s signature extends beyond Old Trafford. Reports indicate Liverpool are monitoring his situation closely, especially as Xabi Alonso is linked with a move to Anfield should Arne Slot depart. Alonso reportedly considers Wharton among his top transfer targets, alongside Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and PSG winger Bradley Barcola. This aligns with Liverpool’s ongoing strategy to strengthen their squad with high-potential young players capable of competing at the highest level in European football.
Crystal Palace are preparing for what could be a record-breaking sale if Wharton leaves in the upcoming window. The club has already begun identifying potential replacements, with Lutsharel Geertruida—currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig—emerging as a leading candidate. Geertruida’s versatility across defense and midfield has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Aston Villa, but Sunderland hold an option to buy for around £20 million.
Palace are also expected to lose Daichi Kamada when his contract expires in June, further increasing their need for reinforcements in central areas. The club has reportedly considered other high-profile midfielders such as Nico Barella, which would represent another ambitious move should they secure European football next season.
With Manchester United currently third in the Premier League—six points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool with seven matches remaining—they appear well positioned to return to Europe’s premier competition next season. That status could be decisive in attracting targets like Wharton who are seeking immediate champions league football.
Wharton’s international profile is also rising; he is set to represent England during the ongoing international break under Thomas Tuchel’s stewardship. This exposure may further increase interest from clubs across Europe ahead of what promises to be a busy summer transfer window.
