Crystal Palace have stepped up their efforts to tie down Manchester United target Adam Wharton to a new contract
Manchester United have often been on the run for young midfielders who have been calm on the ball, along with their vision to influence matches. Of late, they have shortlisted one such player, and he is none other than Crystal Palace midfielder, Adam Wharton. A number of clubs have been attracted to his talent and are in the race for his signature.
We reported earlier that Manchester United are unlikely to sign Adam Wharton in January, as Crystal Palace will likely block his move. However, we see no end to the reports linking him with a move away from Selhurst Park. The 21-year-old has been in strong form this season as well, and clubs like Liverpool, along with Manchester United, have locked horns for his signature.
Each club wants a player who controls play from midfield. According to Alan Nixon, Crystal Palace have now stepped up efforts to secure Wharton’s long-term future. The club plans to offer him a new contract.
They want to reward the 21-year-old midfielder’s progress and keep him central to their plans at Selhurst Park. However, Wharton insists on a fixed-fee release clause before signing a new deal. That demand adds tension to the talks. It shows that while he feels settled in South London, the Englishman still wants freedom over his next step.
Palace recognise his growing importance. They treat him as the key to their progress and refuse to lose control of his future. Wharton’s contract extends until 2029, which gives the club strong leverage in talks, but adding a release clause could shift that balance.
Wharton joined from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024 for an initial £18 million and has impressed everyone since. Every pass, tackle, and turn lifts his value. Reports claim that Palace rate him closer to £75 million. Either way, those figures show how highly club rates him.
United are in desperate need of a defensive midfielder in Ruben Amorim’s two-man midfield system. Casemiro is well past his prime, and Manuel Ugarte has not settled in at all at Old Trafford. United have lost control in midfield, due to the absence of a young and quality defensive midfielder
The midfield mind behind Palace’s rise
We can’t just count Wharton’s worth in the market value. The defensive midfielder is calm on the ball, possesses sensational passing ability, and is always aware of the situation of the game in the midfield. Hence, the Englishman is so important to the smooth running of Palace’s midfield.
The 21-year-old played an integral part in the club’s 2024/25 FA Cup win and has shown maturity even at this young age. The home fans at Selhurst Park rate him very highly and consider him an important part of their club’s future.
They see him as the face of their new chapter, and Wharton feels happy there. He enjoys the club’s spirit and the supporters’ backing. Still, rumours about big clubs chasing him continue to grow. Palace are balancing ambition with stability as they plan.
The club is staying firm and is demanding an exceptional offer before they agree on a deal to sell. Wharton’s happiness, loyalty, and the club’s belief in him keep him vital to their project. For Manchester United, this story deserves patience and attention. If you’re a United fan hoping to see Wharton in red, be patient. His next move could shape not just Palace’s plans but the future of Premier League midfields.