Manchester United have identified Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as their prime transfer target after being forced to scrap their chase for Carlos Baleba of Brighton, as TalkSPORT confirmed.
The 21-year-old England international is now considered to be United’s number one choice in strengthening an already bare midfield, which Ruben Amorim would like to add creativity and dynamism to before the transfer window closes.
Brighton Shuts The Door For United
From the very start, United’s interest in Carlos Baleba, the next big star from Brighton, hit an immediate wall when Seagulls owner Tony Bloom made it clear that no price would suffice for the sale of the midfielder this summer.
The Amex one sees the 20-year-old as a long-term replacement for Moisés Caicedo and think his value could eventually get to the £115 million that Chelsea paid for the Ecuadorian.
Brighton‘s resistance prompted the decision to explore alternatives as sources say, for any deal for Baleba, a fee needing to be agreed would presumably set a Premier League record beyond the £116 million Liverpool paid for Florian Wirtz.
The meteoric rise of Wharton since his £22 million signing from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024 has been noticed by some of Europe’s elite clubs.
His contribution to the recent success of Crystal Palace includes helping the Eagles lift the FA Cup and Community Shield during his 18-month-long spell at Selhurst Park.
United’s scouts Luca impressed with Wharton’s calmness on the ball, work rate, and tactical intelligence.
The England international’s ability to dictate play from deep positions while helping with defensive duties aligns perfectly with Ruben Amorim’s tactical philosophy. Although Palace resisted interest from Bayern Munich in the last summer, United’s pursuit in midfield could just be a test of Palace’s resolve to hold on to one of its best assets.
World Cup Ambitions Drive Midfielder
One England cap earned under former management now enhances his profile, although he has yet to earn his first cap under new Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel.
Wharton remains ambitious for the international scene and expressed aspirations of being picked for the 2026 World Cup to be held in America.
Every English player in the Premier League would want to be picked to go to America at the end of the season, Wharton told TalkSport. I don’t really set too many goals personally. I just take it game by game, trying to improve.”
His practical outlook after an injury-riddled last season reveals the great maturity that has impressed his many admirers.
Potentially, the experience he has gained from working hard to remain fit and get game-time will attract all those including Manchester United looking for a long and demanding season ahead.
Exodus Brace for Palace This Summer
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is preparing for a mass exodus under Wharton’s circumstance as part of an all-round uncertainty picture at Selhurst Park.
Tottenham is understood to be closing in on a deal for winger Eberechi Eze, while defender Marc Guehi keeps attracting interest from Liverpool, who seem reluctant to meet Palace’s £40 million valuation.
Losing Wharton would be a hard blow for Palace’s ambitions, given his contribution to their recent trophy success. However, the sheer financial clout of modern football will mean the Eagles might not be able to withstand a serious offer from United.
Investing in Wharton is a reflection of a newer model for transfer strategy for United, now under newer ownership.
Rather than chasing established stars, the club seems to be concentrating on acquiring young players with meaningful upside for development and eventual resale price. Wharton fits this profile impressively: an established Premier League performer still honing his trade, international recognition, with potential for monumental appreciation in value.
Adam Wharton Stats Last Season
Adam Wharton
Other European Teams Also Admire Wharton
United are not alone in their admiration for Wharton. Real Madrid were keeping tabs on the young midfielder throughout last season, and Liverpool has had a long-time interest in him.
That could, of course, push up Palace’s asking price and create more competition for United.
The Red Devils assuring a playing place in the UCL next season and the stature of Old Trafford would likely be a huge selling point in such a deal, with Wharton’s ambition clearly stated to rise to the very top of the game.
As the twilight approaches on another exodus to begin for one of their coveted assets in the midst of transfer windows, much will rest on whether United are able to change Palace’s mind this time or whether the latter will resist yet another summer of farewells to build upon past success.
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I doubt his abilities as a progresser of the ball but if we can’t get Baleba, then we should get him. But he should not be more that 45 million I think