It’s mid August, and with hundreds of millions of pounds - and euros - burning a hole in the pockets of Europe’s top clubs, and still a couple of weeks left before this summer’s transfer window slams shut, the race has already begun to sign next summer’s big transfer target. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Progressive passing, defensively minded centre midfielders place highly on the wish lists of many clubs across the continent, and Adam Wharton is, for many, the number one contender.
• Liverpool have just been rejected by Martín Zubimendi.
• Arsenal would like to sign a player who would allow Declan Rice to play as an eight.
• Casemiro’s rapid decline has highlighted Manchester United’s need for a new defensive midfielder.
• Manchester City might be on the look out for Rodri’s longterm replacement.
• Bayern Munich long held an interest since Wharton’s Blackburn Rovers days.
Despite the presence of Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni, Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest.
And who can stop Chelsea from hoarding so much young talent that the changing rooms at Cobham threaten to burst at the seams.
Despite receiving zero minutes in Germany this summer, Gareth Southgate saw in Wharton what scouting departments across the continent see every week for Palace.
“I like the fact he likes to play forward as quickly as he can.” Southgate said “He sees pictures when he receives [the ball], and we have been short of these types of players for seven or eight years, if I am honest. At times, that has had an effect on the way we have been able to play.”
As well as offering progressive passing, Wharton is also tenacious defensively. He is an aggressive presser, quick to the tackle, and reads the game well enough to intercept dangerous opposition passes through the midfield zones.
Within Oliver Glasner’s 3-4-2-1 system Wharton is asked to play as an all action centre midfielder. In a system that could leave Palace outnumbered centrally against teams playing with three in midfield, the Palace two have to be all-rounders, covering defensive responsibilities whilst being positive in possession.
“[Glasner’s advice] is positionally, where he wants me to be in certain situations, whether that’s on the ball, to get on it or create space for the No. 10s and the striker to play forwards.” Wharton said of “Or it’s out of possession if it’s me pressing higher, or if it’s on the opposite side and I need to come round, to make sure we’ve got control of the centre of the pitch, but then also to be ready to press their centre-mid.”
With Michael Olise having already departed for Bayern Munich, and strong interest in Marc Guéhi, Joachim Andersen, and Eberechi Eze, the sale of Adam Wharton this summer is something Crystal Palace will not entertain.
Palace see even more potential for Wharton to improve under Glasner’s tutelage this season. The return of Cheick Doucouré to partner Wharton in midfield, could be the key to a push for a highest ever Premier League finish.
With that comes increased interest from the lurking pack waiting to pounce. Palace will have paid close attention to the fees Chelsea paid for Moisés Caicedo, Roméo Lavia, and Enzo Fernández, and though eventually losing Wharton will be a bitter blow, it will be made all the sweeter by a £100 million plus fee.
Comments