Real Madrid are considering a late-summer move for Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton, with manager Xabi Alonso identifying the 21-year-old as a potential solution to the team’s creative needs in the center of the park.
Real Madrid Weigh Late Move for Crystal Palace’s €80m Midfielder Adam Wharton
According to reports from Diario AS, the La Liga giants have been monitoring Wharton for several months and view him as an ideal controlling midfielder capable of dictating tempo and organizing play—a profile highly valued at Valdebebas following the retirement of Toni Kroos.
Wharton, who helped Crystal Palace win the FA Cup last season and started in their Community Shield victory over Liverpool, is valued at a minimum of €80 million.
However, any move by Real Madrid would require a major sale first, with the club having already invested €165 million this summer in signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Franco Mastantuono.
The situation has gained urgency following reports that forward Rodrygo has requested a transfer, potentially freeing up funds.
Real Madrid are not alone in their interest Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool have also tracked Wharton but no English club has yet indicated a willingness to meet Palace’s valuation in the final days of the window.
Wharton has four years remaining on his contract and is said to be happy at Selhurst Park, though the allure of Real Madrid could prove persuasive.
With the transfer window closing on September 1, any deal would need to develop rapidly.
