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Real Madrid plot €100m signing as Man Utd deal hijacked
Cameron Smith
- 18 Dec 2025 09:07 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Real Madrid have reportedly identified Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as a key transfer target for 2026 as they look to solve the current issues with their first-team squad.
Los Blancos failed to sign a replacement for the departed Luka Modric over the summer and it has been widely reported that Xabi Alonso is desperate for the hierarchy to purchase an elite central midfielder next year.
Current ETV
Adam Wharton
M (C)
C. Palace
Adam Wharton
M (C)
C. Palace
ETV Range
€55.5M - €67.9M
Several high-profile names have been lipped to complete a blockbuster move to the Bernabeu in recent weeks, including Chelsea duo Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, AZ Alkmaar wonderkid Kees Smit, Stuttgart stalwart Angelo Stiller and Paris Saint-Germain superstar Vitinha.
Wharton has also been linked with a transfer to the Spanish giants and Fichajes have now revealed that he has been earmarked as an ideal candidate to fix the current balance issues in Real Madrid’s midfield.
The hierarchy at the Bernabeu reportedly believe that Alonso’s squad is lacking a “pure playmaker” and they are now set to pursue the signing of Wharton next year.
Chelsea and Manchester United are among the Premier League clubs also interested in landing the England international in 2026, with a deal expected to cost in the region of €100 million.
Adam Wharton to leave Crystal Palace?
While Crystal Palace are reluctant to sell Wharton next year, with the club also expecting to lose Marc Guehi on a Bosman deal and head coach Oliver Glasner, the England star’s agent has revealed that a transfer could take place.
“When he was at Blackburn we sat down and spoke about shooting for the stars and playing for England,” James Featherstone, Wharton’s agent, told talkSPORT in early December.
“So how do you get there? Personally I think to play for England you have to play in the Champions League, to play in the Champions League you have got to play for one of the top teams in one of the top leagues.
STATS
Adam Wharton
M (C)
C. Palace
Adam Wharton
M (C)
C. Palace
“That jump to a Champions League team, I think you can get lost. The plan below that was to play for a Premier League team. We have got a plan. He is 21. I have to check myself to remember that every now and then.
“It doesn’t have to be achieved yesterday, today or this moment. He has got his in-game, in-season targets and goals. He has got to do his bit and the rest will look after itself in a very structured, calm way to ultimately add value and maximise his ability.”
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