Adam Wharton has attracted interest from Manchester United, but the Crystal Palace sensation highlights his desire to play in the Champions League if he moves
Adam Wharton will want to play in the Champions League in the near future as he continues to excel at Crystal Palace – Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has warned officials.
Wharton has made incredible progress since joining the Eagles from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024 for £22 million. The 21-year-old has proven to be one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and is expected to be a regular in England for the next decade.
Palace are enjoying one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, already boasting the FA Cup and Community Shield on their CV, and there are reports that Manchester United are considering a £60m bid for Wharton next summer.
The Old Trafford side were looking to add midfielders in the summer and had expressed interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleva, but they were unable to sign the player. They are now partnering with Wharton to revive Destiny.
But Parish has laid down the law for anyone who wants to sign Wharton and insists United want to play at the top table of European football as well, although it may be difficult for the Eagles to offer it.
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He told talkSPORT: “Adam would love to play with us in the Champions League one day and if that happens, or maybe at another club. He’s an extraordinary talent. I think right now, I can’t speak for Adam, but I think he’s focused on his time at Crystal Palace.”
“Last season he had a broken season with a groin problem that a lot of young players have. I think this season he’s completely focused on playing games, breaking into the England squad, being a regular for us and being able to deliver on Saturday, Sunday, Thursday, Sunday. It’s a difficult program for us at the moment. I think he’s very committed to the club. I don’t know where this came from.”
Palace have had to deal with the loss of key players in each of the past two summers. Michael Oliseh will join Bayern Munich in 2024, while Eberechi Eze joined Arsenal in the summer. There is currently talk that Marc Gehi will leave the club after his contract expires next summer.
But Parrish believes Wharton, who has more than two years left on his contract, will not leave the club in a lucrative position. “There’s no pressure on us to do that, and I don’t think there’s any real pressure from the players either,” he said.
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