Manchester City are weighing up a move for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton – whose stellar year has just seen him named in England’s Euro 2024 squad.
The midfielder only moved to Selhurst Park in January, joining from Blackburn, but has taken to the top flight with ease. He excelled in the final weeks of the season as the Eagles, under new manager Oliver Glasner, put together an impressive run of results.
City are not expected to move for Wharton this summer but see the 20-year-old as a future signing. Plans are being made to ensure there is a midfield succession plan in place and the Englishman is among those they could eventually pursue, reports the Evening Standard.
The Manchester outfit’s recruitment has been key to their ability to remain on top, recently landing a historic fourth straight title. They’ve lost key figures and been able to replace them – or find ways to adapt – like filling the hole left by Ilkay Gundogan last season.
Bernardo Silva has long been linked with a move away from the Ethiad, although Guardiola has dismissed the idea of him leaving. This week Kevin De Bruyne admitted, especially at his age, that lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia were something he’d have to consider.
As a result younger players are being considered, Wharton among them. Palace spent more than £20million to lure him from Ewood Park but he would command notably more than that now. He still has five years left on his contract at Selhurst Park and Palace maintain he is going nowhere after a brilliant finish to the campaign.
The youngster was hugely impressed at the base of midfield during England’s win over Bosnia on Monday with Gareth Southgate hailing his unique abilities. “[England] have been short of these types of players for seven or eight years, if I am honest”, he said. “There’s no question he’s impressed us. We saw things in his performances for his club that showed [here]. The other players have recognised his quality very quickly.”
Palace have previously cashed in on young talent for the right fee, previously allowing Aaron Wan-Bissaka to leave for Manchester United in a £50m deal.
This summer though they will attempt to warn off suitors who are circling around their leading lights. Their final months of the season highlighted the quality in the Eagles squad and both Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze are likely to be the subject of huge interest.
