Wharton has 'gentleman's agreement' over Man Utd transfer

Suraj Radia

Updated: 2 Oct 2025 16:29 BST
4 min read

Adam Wharton is reported to have a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to leave Crystal Palace if he doesn’t renew his contract and an offer matching his valuation is received.

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Wharton has attracted the attention of many teams including Manchester United and Real Madrid after an impressive time at Selhurst Park since joining from Blackburn in 2024.

Current ETV

Adam Wharton

DM, M (C)

C. Palace

Adam Wharton

DM, M (C)

C. Palace

ETV Range

€50.1M - €61.2M

The 21-year-old’s current deal expires in 2029 but Palace are aware that they will have to offer him improved terms to keep him satisfied after his meteoric rise, which could see Wharton feature for England at the World Cup next summer.

However, the interest in Wharton could complicate the situation, with a new deal potentially containing a release clause or with the player opting against a renewal in order to explore his options elsewhere.

According to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, should Wharton not sign a new contract, he could be allowed to leave Palace for a fee ‘in the region of £60-£65 million (€68m-€74m) due to a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with the club.

Speaking to The United Stand, Jacobs claimed that Wharton could pen a new deal at Palace containing a release clause of around that figure, or he may be allowed to leave next summer if a suitable offer is received without fresh terms being signed.

Crystal Palace in danger of losing prized jewels

Palace have already seen a number of stars such as Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze leave in recent times for similar fees due to release clauses or agreements over their departures.

© IMAGO - Adam Wharton is wanted by a number of teams.

Captain Marc Guehi is also expected to leave Palace when his contract expires next summer and the Eagles may be open to Wharton’s departure for a big fee in order to finance signing replacements.

United are believed to be keeping tabs on Wharton as a top target for next summer, while Palace manager Oliver Glasner is also thought to be considered a potential replacement for Ruben Amorim if the Red Devils boss continues to struggle.

Wharton’s future could be tied to Glasner after the Austrian’s impressive stint in charge so far, with reports that the Palace boss could be eyeing the United job in the near future.

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