Wharton Attracts Attention from European Giants Amid Transfer Speculation

omidbasir- The pursuit of one of England’s most promising midfield talents, Wharton, has taken an exciting turn with reports from Spain indicating that he has been offered to Real Madrid. The 21-year-old has experienced a remarkable ascent since moving from Blackburn Rovers to Crystal Palace in January 2024, establishing himself as a crucial player in the Eagles’ midfield and attracting attention from elite clubs across Europe.

According to the Spanish outlet AS, intermediaries representing Wharton have reached out to the reigning European champions to assess their interest in acquiring the Englishman for a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. While Real Madrid has predominantly focused on signing talents from France and Brazil in recent years, alongside the notable acquisition of Jude Bellingham, the potential to pair Wharton with his international teammate presents an intriguing opportunity for the club’s leadership.

However, the report suggests that although Madrid is monitoring the situation, no concrete action has been taken thus far. The club is currently evaluating their options to strategically enhance their midfield, but the financial commitment required to secure the Palace star could be a significant hurdle, even for a club of Real Madrid’s caliber.

Any club looking to secure Wharton’s services will need substantial financial resources. Crystal Palace, recognized for their ability to develop and retain the value of their players, has no intention of parting with their star asset for a low fee. AS reports that the Eagles have set a minimum asking price of €70 million (£58 million) for the midfielder, a figure that reflects a significant profit on the initial £18 million they invested in Blackburn just two years prior.

More crucial than the transfer fee, however, are the reported salary expectations. The Spanish publication indicates that Wharton is seeking a ‘Galactico salary’ to facilitate a move, signaling his awareness of his elevated status and his expectation for immediate remuneration as a top-tier player, rather than entering a developmental wage structure.

For Real Madrid, known for their meticulous wage management to accommodate superstars like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, these salary demands could require a substantial shift from their typical policy regarding young player acquisitions.

Should Madrid choose to forgo this opportunity, Wharton will undoubtedly have several suitors closer to home. The report highlights that the Premier League’s ‘Big Four’—Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea—are all keenly interested.

Liverpool has long appreciated Wharton’s ability to penetrate defenses and control the game’s tempo, viewing him as a potential long-term successor to their current midfield stalwarts. Meanwhile, Manchester City is consistently on the lookout for technically proficient midfielders who fit Pep Guardiola’s intricate system, making Wharton’s profile a perfect match.

Manchester United, under the stewardship of INEOS, is prioritizing the acquisition of young domestic talents, positioning Wharton as a prime target in their ongoing rebuilding efforts at Old Trafford. Chelsea, too, is closely monitoring the situation, having actively pursued the finest young talents in football over the past few years.

Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Crystal Palace is in a robust negotiating position with Wharton bound by a long-term contract at Selhurst Park. The midfielder’s composed demeanor on the pitch has been mirrored by his thoughtful approach to his career off the field. Since his arrival in the Premier League, he has exhibited remarkable maturity, earning a spot in the England squad for Euro 2024, even though he remained an unused substitute throughout the tournament, and becoming a key figure for his club.

Whether he transitions to the spotlight of Madrid or continues his quest for titles in the Premier League, it is clear that Wharton is now regarded as elite talent. It will require an extraordinary financial investment to secure his services in 2026. The bidding war has effectively commenced, and the figures being discussed indicate that this will be one of the year’s most significant transfer sagas.