Adam Wharton has had a fantastic season at Crystal Palace and is set to leave Selhurst Park this summer. The midfielder was crucial for Palace as they clinched their first European trophy with a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League.
This means the south Londoners will return to European competition next season, this time in the Europa League, the tournament they had qualified for after winning the FA Cup. However, it has been suggested that Wharton could join one of their Premier League rivals, and it looks as if one of their best players will not be there to experience it.
Manchester United have been mooted as a potential candidate for his signature, with the Red Devils keen to overhaul their current midfield options. Casemiro has left the club and Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount are rumored to be on the move from Old Trafford.
When Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS arrived at the club, the businessman promised to build a team made up of the best homegrown talent, and there are certainly few midfield options better than Wharton at the moment. However, Express Sport readers say Wharton should avoid joining the Red Devils.
45% of readers who voted in a poll asking Wharton which club he should join said Liverpool would be the best destination for him. The six-time European champions are rumored to be linked with the 22-year-old, and it is expected that a player to replace the departed Arne Slott will be strengthened in the summer transfer window.
Stay at Crystal Palace – 12%
Whoever Wharton signs, it will be good news that he has been given a summer break after missing out on Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. Although it was an eyebrow-raising decision, it means Wharton will be able to rest and possibly prepare for his first game with his new club.
Former England manager Glenn Hoddle believes this was a mistake, telling TNT Sport: “I was a bit surprised. I love the way he goes forward and passes. He can hit a killer ball, a ball that takes down the whole defense with one pass.”
“I don’t think there are that many guys who can do that at a consistent level from deep. So when I saw he wasn’t there, my eyebrows definitely went up.”
He added: “This is the quality we have. I would have put him in the team. He’s a great footballer. He’s a top professional. He could easily play for England, but who is the player (midfielder) who shouldn’t be playing?”
