Real Madrid is setting its sights on the future with a keen interest in Adam Wharton, the 21-year-old midfield sensation from Crystal Palace. According to sources close to the club, Wharton has emerged as Xabi Alonso’s top priority for the upcoming summer transfer window.
Wharton, an emerging talent in the Premier League, has already made waves by securing the FA Cup with Crystal Palace last season. Despite his young age, he is under contract with the London club until 2029. His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, attracting bids exceeding £70 million from Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea—offers that Crystal Palace has steadfastly declined. However, Wharton’s aspirations to join a major European club align perfectly with Real Madrid’s long-term sporting vision.
Wharton’s Appeal to Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso sees Wharton as a perfect fit for his tactical plans. The Spanish manager is eager to bolster his midfield with a player who can deliver precise passes, control the tempo of the game, and possess a vision reminiscent of Toni Kroos. Currently, Dani Ceballos is the only player in Madrid’s squad who somewhat fits this mold, but his inconsistency and injury history have weakened his standing. Bringing in Wharton would align with Real Madrid’s strategy of investing in promising talents before they become unaffordable.
Wharton has already accumulated over 80 professional appearances, including 42 in the Premier League and 44 during his time at Blackburn Rovers. His tactical intelligence and ability to read the game make him an ideal candidate to thrive in Real Madrid’s demanding system.
Financial Battle Ahead
As reported by Diario Madridista, Real Madrid is aware of the fierce competition they face in securing Wharton’s signature. The English market remains highly competitive, with Premier League clubs wielding significant financial power. Yet, Real Madrid is determined not to repeat past mistakes when they lost out on targets like Zubimendi and Reijnders to Arsenal and Manchester City. The club is prepared to invest over €80 million in Wharton, viewing it as a strategic move aligned with their European ambitions.
Wharton himself is reportedly intrigued by the prospect of joining Real Madrid and developing alongside talents like Camavinga, Tchouaméni, and Valverde—a quartet seen as the future of Madrid’s midfield.
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Wharton is already on England manager Thomas Tuchel’s radar after being part of the squad for the last Euro tournament. A strong performance on this stage could further elevate his market value. Real Madrid aims to act swiftly before his stock rises even higher. With his youth, complete skill set, and potential as Kroos’ successor, Wharton’s next destination could very well be Santiago Bernabéu.
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