Where Will Adam Wharton Land Next? Top Transfer Destinations Revealed
Adam Wharton could find himself choosing between Europe's top clubs come 2026, having cemented his reputation as one of the Premier League's most impressive midfielders following his move to Crystal Palace.
Dougie Freedman pulled off another masterstroke by securing the Blackburn Rovers playmaker for Selhurst Park early in 2024, with Oliver Glasner's side subsequently enjoying a remarkable finish to their 2023–24 campaign.
The left-footed Wharton has been labeled a "continental" style midfielder by observers and hailed as Gen Z's equivalent to Michael Carrick. Despite being overlooked by Thomas Tuchel for England duty, Wharton is certain to be the player fans demand when the Three Lions battle through the sweltering North American conditions at next summer's World Cup.
Wharton is an exceptionally talented player whose ball-playing skills would enhance the midfield departments of Europe's most prestigious clubs. When he eventually decides to depart, Palace will earn a substantial return, having acquired him for approximately £20 million ($26.6 million).
Here's how Sports Illustrated evaluates six possible transfer destinations for the English midfielder in the coming year, ranked by probability of completion.
6. Tottenham Hotspur
The Europa League champions maintained slim hopes of securing Wharton during the summer window, though only weak connections linked the Palace star to Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs certainly monitored Wharton during his time at Blackburn, but the Eagles showed greater ambition in making their move and are now benefiting from that decision.
Whether Thomas Frank's North London outfit becomes a serious contender for Wharton next season will largely depend on their performance during the Danish manager's inaugural campaign. Should they secure Champions League qualification for 2026–27, Spurs might enter the conversation.
Fans are desperately seeking a player with Wharton's distribution skills for Frank's central midfield pairing. Nevertheless, intense competition for his services and Palace's hefty valuation make Spurs long shots.
Likelihood rating: 4/10
5. Manchester City
Rodri's recovery concerns following his ACL injury in September 2024 suggest Manchester City might pursue a permanent replacement next summer.
Nico González joined the club earlier this year but was never viewed as Rodri's heir. He's provided composure and steadiness from City's midfield base this season, while Mateo Kovačić has also recently recovered from injury to offer additional options.
Nevertheless, Kovačić's deal runs until 2027, and there's uncertainty whether Rodri will regain the form that earned him the 2024 Ballon d'Or following such a serious injury. Much depends on González's development, so Pep Guardiola might consider Wharton, whom he praised as an "excellent holding midfielder" before the 2025 FA Cup final.
The Englishman possesses the qualities of a Spanish-style controller, with Palace teammate Yeremy Pino suggesting Wharton could represent his national team. This transfer seems plausible, though the 21-year-old should heed the cautionary tale of fellow countryman Kalvin Phillips, whose career stagnated after struggling for regular playing time at the Etihad.
Likelihood rating: 6/10
4. Chelsea
Put simply, Chelsea can never be dismissed from any transfer speculation. BlueCo's passion for player acquisitions knows no bounds.
Theoretically, Wharton isn't a player the Blues urgently require. Moisés Caicedo ranks among the Premier League's finest midfielders, Enzo Fernández has developed impressively under Enzo Maresca, Roméo Lavia shows star potential if he maintains fitness, while Reece James has excelled this season, frequently tucking inside from his right-back role.
However, Wharton might represent one of those prospects that Chelsea feel they cannot ignore, with various reports indicating he's been included on the London club's "transfer wishlist" for 2026.
Maresca's rigid tactical system would benefit from the 21-year-old's ability to handle pressure and thread passes between defensive lines, while his left-footed preference would introduce another dimension to Chelsea's midfield partnership.
Wharton's display at Stamford Bridge during the season opener would have caught the attention of club decision-makers.
Likelihood rating: 6.5/10
3. Real Madrid
Wharton was making visits to Huddersfield Town's John Smith Stadium and Hull City's MKM Stadium during the middle of the 2023–24 season, shortly before Crystal Palace made their approach.
By the beginning of 2026–27, the 21-year-old Englishman could be receiving acclaim from Madridistas at the Santiago Bernabéu. While currently just speculation, many anticipate Los Blancos will strengthen their midfield next summer after focusing on defensive reinforcements ahead of Xabi Alonso's debut season as manager.
Alonso's philosophy centers on stability and possession, yet Madrid lack the midfield personnel to dominate teams through effective ball circulation. Any squad would struggle after losing Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić in consecutive summers.
Wharton cannot be likened to those two legends, and he's perhaps too forward-thinking and direct to be classified as a 'regista'. Still, the Englishman undoubtedly possesses the technical ability to succeed in Spain. Whether he'd flourish in such a demanding atmosphere, where excellence is constantly expected, remains questionable.
Madrid's potential interest is logical, and Wharton should draw motivation from the success Michael Olise has achieved at Bayern Munich since departing Palace.
Likelihood rating: 7/10
2. Manchester United
Man Utd demonstrated in the summer that regardless of their circumstances, they can still attract elite talent.
Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško were all eager to join the Red Devils following the club's poorest Premier League campaign since the competition began in 1992.
They focused on adding attacking firepower during Ruben Amorim's inaugural summer transfer window, surprisingly choosing not to strengthen their midfield options. Next year, they won't repeat that oversight.
Already, Wharton is being mentioned alongside Carlos Baleba as the two candidates United will decide between in 2026. Both are exceptionally gifted with potential for growth, and they could be joining a club experiencing renewed success.
Wharton has excelled in a modified version of the 3-4-2-1 formation at Palace, where his ability to defend aggressively has been highlighted. He would suit Amorim's system perfectly, and United retain the appeal to outmaneuver rivals.
Likelihood rating: 8/10
1. Liverpool
Liverpool's video game-like summer has transformed a projected season of supremacy into a rebuilding period. Unexpectedly, the Reds are in danger of not even challenging for their Premier League title.
There are numerous problems for Arne Slot to address, including opposition coaches altering their formations and teams having the nerve to win loose balls. He hasn't yet discovered an ideal combination with his expensive new acquisitions, with their second-costliest signing ever, Florian Wirtz, failing to establish any rhythm on Merseyside.
There are fitness worries regarding the German, but Wirtz is also receiving significantly fewer touches per match compared to his Bundesliga days. His position under Slot contributes to this, but so does the lack of dependable progressive passers in central midfield when Curtis Jones isn't available.
It seems Wharton could be the player to help unleash Wirtz by ensuring he receives service in areas where he typically excels. The Englishman possesses every type of pass in his arsenal.
While no clear favorite exists in the Wharton pursuit, with Palace optimistic their star midfielder will agree to fresh terms, Liverpool have been mentioned as the most probable destination for the 21-year-old next year.
Whether they'd be prepared to make another significant investment after a record-breaking summer expenditure will depend on how severe their decline becomes this season.
Likelihood rating: 8.5/10