Manchester United have learned the true asking price of Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton as they eye his signature.
United keen on midfield reinforcements
Most of United’s business in the summer transfer window focused on bolstering the attacking department after a goal-shy 2024/25 campaign in which regularly finding the back of the net proved to be a big problem.
United forked out large sums to land Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. On deadline day, the club also signed goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp. However, this came at the cost of missing out on strengthening the midfield.
For several weeks during the transfer window, United were linked to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, but a move failed to materialise after the Seagulls’ prohibitive asking price emerged. United are believed to be keeping tabs on Baleba and may revive their chase for him next summer.
But Baleba is not the only player on United’s radar. Wharton is also of interest to the Red Devils, amidst his impressive rise at Palace.
Wharton has established himself as one of the league’s top midfielders, impressing with his calm and composed displays in the middle of the park. He has played a pivotal role in Palace’s rise, helping the Eagles claim the FA Cup and Community Shield at the expense of Manchester City and Liverpool respectively.
A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United are plotting a shock £60m bid for Wharton.
It was stated that Ruben Amorim is a big admirer of the England international and would like to add him to the ranks at Old Trafford.
However, according to TEAMtalk, United will need to part with a lot more than £60m if they are to succeed in their attempts to lure Wharton.
Wharton’s asking price revealed
TEAMtalk have “laughed off” suggestions that Wharton could be obtained for £60m, outlining that Palace are in a very strong position to rake in significantly more.
Dean Jones said for the news outlet, “I don’t see why they would sell him for £60m to Man United. They are in a position where they could get more and they know that.”
“United are getting to a stage where they need to replace players in that area of the field and we have been seeing Casemiro get a lot of starts, which was not really expected to be the plan.”
“The thing is, Casemiro actually fits the role Amorim is looking for quite well, so maybe he looks for a new version of that. That’s where Wharton fits. He can do more than just play how Casemiro does right now, but equally United like that he could slot in.”
Jones added, “United are not the only team interested in Wharton. If he leaves in the summer it’ll most likely be a record departure fee – topping what they sold Eze for.”
“He is 21 and has a long contract and often when I have made checks on this situation, my contacts mention Declan Rice’s fee from when he joined Arsenal.”
“I’m not saying he will reach £100million but they have every reason to believe they can push upwards of the £67.5m they got for Eze.”
United are back in action on Sunday when they take on Liverpool at Anfield. The game kicks off at 4.30 pm.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
