Real Madrid Eyes Stunning Raid on Premier League Star Midfielder

In a surprising development, Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.

Following the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić in consecutive seasons, Real Madrid are actively seeking midfield reinforcements. The Spanish powerhouse has been connected with numerous Premier League midfielders throughout the summer, including Rodri, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández, but a fresh name appears to have emerged on their wishlist.

The Daily Mail suggests Los Blancos are keeping tabs on the 21-year-old Wharton as a prospective long-term replacement for Kroos and Modrić. The England international matches the blueprint of a deep-lying playmaker who could control Real Madrid's midfield operations.

Wharton has left his mark in England's premier division since arriving in south London during January 2024. The midfielder has featured in 44 matches for the Eagles following his switch from Blackburn Rovers and recently contributed to the club's victories in the 2025 Community Shield and FA Cup.

Indeed, it was Wharton who provided the assist for Ismaïla Sarr's 77th-minute leveler against Liverpool to force the Community Shield into a penalty shootout. Oliver Glasner's squad subsequently secured the silverware, defeating the reigning English champions 3–2 on spot-kicks.

The Reds have also expressed interest in Wharton, alongside Manchester City, Manchester United and now Real Madrid in what appears to be a competitive pursuit of the English talent.

Los Blancos have slightly more than two weeks remaining to pursue Wharton, whose deal with Crystal Palace runs until June 2029, before the summer transfer market concludes. The Eagles face a challenging task retaining their rising star, particularly if Marc Guéhi finalizes his rumored switch to Liverpool.

Real Madrid, however, may find themselves urgently requiring midfield reinforcements. The squad is currently without Jude Bellingham through injury, Eduardo Camavinga recently experienced complications in his recovery process, and Dani Ceballos has been associated with a potential transfer to Real Betis. Fede Valverde also missed the club's preseason match against WSG Tirol due to fatigue management.

Should Los Blancos choose to remain inactive for the remainder of the window, they retain the option to renew their pursuit of Wharton in January.