Wharton set to snub Man Utd transfer UNLESS one condition is met

Suraj Radia

30 Nov 2025 10:37 GMT
4 min read

Manchester United’s chances of signing Adam Wharton could depend on one crucial factor which may see them miss out on signing the Crystal Palace star next summer.

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Wharton is among United’s top targets to strengthen in midfield, with the likes of Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson also high up on Ruben Amorim’s shortlist.

Current ETV

Adam Wharton

M (C)

C. Palace

Adam Wharton

M (C)

C. Palace

ETV Range

€55.9M - €68.3M

However, all of United’s targets come with some difficulty, if not just for their price tags alone, which could all exceed €100 million.

In Wharton’s case, the Daily Mirror report that the 21-year-old will snub a move to United unless they secure European qualification for next season, with the youngster only ready to leave Palace for a side that can offer him elite level football.

With United currently sitting 12th in the Premier League, they would need a significant improvement in fortunes to meet Wharton’s ambitions and may end up missing out on the England international to a rival, with team such as Real Madrid ready to compete for his signature.

Although United have been boosted by reports that Wharton would favour a return to the North West of England, having come through the academy at Blackburn Rovers.

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United are desperate to sign at least one midfielder in 2026, particularly with doubts over the long-term futures of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, all of whom could be sold next summer.

© IMAGO - Adam Wharton is wanted by Man Utd.

While United would be keen to bring in a midfielder in January, none of their top targets are expected to be available in the winter and they may be forced to hold out until the summer.

Wharton could emerge as the favourite to move to Old Trafford after Manchester City declared interest in Anderson, although United could also renew their interest in Baleba after a failed summer move.

Players such as Conor Gallagher and Joao Gomes have also been linked with United and much will depend on how they finish the season and the transfer opportunities available to them as Amorim looks to continue conducting wholesale changes to his squad.

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