Adam Wharton Attracts Interest from Real Madrid

Key Takeaways:

Real Madrid have identified Adam Wharton as a defensive midfield target, according to recent reports from AS.
The Crystal Palace midfielder is valued at €80 million and is also being monitored by Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool.
Wharton made 20 appearances, 16 starts, and created five big chances for Crystal Palace last season.

Midfield Reinforcements Under Consideration at Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso has received significant backing from the Real Madrid board in his preparations for the club’s upcoming project, securing all defensive reinforcements and enhancing the midfield with Franco Mastantuono’s addition. However, the club has yet to recruit a new player specifically for the defensive midfield role. Alonso has optimised Aurelien Tchouameni’s skills to cover this area but remains keen to introduce greater depth—particularly a pivot adept at contributing during buildup play.

Wharton Emerges as a Notable Option

According to a recent AS update, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace has surfaced as a prominent candidate for Real Madrid’s defensive midfield needs. The potential transfer, however, presents significant challenges. Wharton is currently valued at €80 million, a price Real Madrid are unwilling to meet unless key departures occur in the coming weeks.

🚨 BREAKING: Crystal Palace holding midfielder Adam Wharton (21 years) is on Real Madrid's radar. He will cost at least €80m.
— @diarioas pic.twitter.com/hHBL72JdNp
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) August 21, 2025

Interest in the 21-year-old is not limited to Spain. Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool have also expressed their intent to track Wharton’s situation, and, with Premier League spending soaring this summer, those sides may be less resistant to the considerable fee being demanded.

Statistical Snapshot: Wharton’s Impact Last Season

Wharton, who is 21 years old, became a dependable element in Crystal Palace’s midfield during the last campaign. He made 20 appearances, including 16 starts. The midfielder produced five big chances and averaged 1.3 key passes per game. Defensively, he consistently delivered over seven defensive actions and five ball recoveries per match.