Manchester City are weighing up a potential late move for
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as part of their ongoing reshuffle in the final week of the summer transfer window. Reports suggest that newly-appointed
director of football Hugo Viana is keeping a close eye on the 21-year-old
as City attempt to reinforce their midfield after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Wharton, contracted to Selhurst Park until 2029, has emerged as one of the
Premier League’s most exciting midfielders, drawing interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
Real Madrid have identified him as a possible successor to Luka Modrić,
while Manchester United are thought to hold the strongest domestic interest.
Liverpool and Manchester City remain in the conversation,
with Palace valuing the player at around €80 million.
City’s admiration for Wharton is not new. The club tracked him last summer but opted not
to pursue a deal following the return of İlkay Gündoğan from Barcelona and Palace’s
steep valuation. In hindsight, Etihad officials privately acknowledged that their midfield
recruitment could have been more aggressive, particularly after Rodri’s ACL injury
in September 2024, which left the team heavily reliant on stop-gap solutions.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak admitted as much in his 2024/25 end-of-season
review, underlining the importance of strengthening City’s midfield unit. January signing
Nico González and this summer’s arrivals Tijjani Reijnders
and Rayan Cherki have boosted options, but Guardiola is still seeking
dynamism and creativity as the club look to defend domestic titles and push for
UEFA Champions League success.
Guardiola, who extended his contract until 2027, is expected to give the green light
for late reinforcements if opportunities arise. Wharton’s versatility and composure
on the ball fit the profile City are searching for, though Palace’s high valuation
remains a stumbling block. With less than a week left before the transfer window closes,
much will depend on whether Viana can negotiate favourable terms or if City are willing
to pay a premium for the England international.
From Palace’s perspective, Wharton is considered untouchable unless a transformative
offer arrives. The club are determined to keep hold of their brightest asset, especially
with ongoing uncertainty surrounding Marc Guehi’s future. Any late exit
would force Palace into a frantic search for replacements, a scenario they are reluctant to face.
Across Europe, Real Madrid remain keen but are unlikely to pursue a deal this summer
without player sales. Manchester United, meanwhile, have explored the possibility of
lodging a formal bid, with Erik ten Hag pushing for a younger midfield profile to
complement his existing squad.
FAQs
- Is Manchester City seriously considering Adam Wharton?
City are monitoring the player closely, but Palace’s €80m valuation could prove too high
unless Hugo Viana sanctions a bold late move.
- Who else is interested in Wharton?
Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the midfielder,
with United reportedly showing the strongest intent in England.
- Why does Guardiola want a midfielder?
Injuries to Rodri and Mateo Kovačić, combined with last season’s struggles in midfield,
have underlined the need for depth and creativity in City’s squad.
- Could Palace sell this summer?
Only if a huge offer arrives. Wharton is tied down until 2029 and considered one of
the club’s most valuable assets.
- How much would Wharton cost?
Palace are understood to value him at around €80 million, making him one of the
most expensive midfielders on the current market.
Conclusion
Manchester City’s interest in Adam Wharton highlights their determination to
strengthen after a turbulent campaign and a wake-up call against Tottenham.
While Wharton represents the kind of youthful, dynamic profile Guardiola desires,
Crystal Palace’s €80m asking price and competition from elite clubs could complicate
matters. With Hugo Viana now spearheading late-window decisions, City’s pursuit of Wharton
may ultimately come down to whether they are prepared to invest heavily or hold fire
until future windows. Either way, Wharton’s name is set to remain central to
Premier League transfer headlines until the deadline.
