Manchester United are expected to reinforce their midfield in 2026 after focusing primarily on attack this summer.
The Red Devils are laying down succession plans for Casemiro, whose contract expires at the end of this season. The Brazilian is now a shadow of his former self, and a replacement remains high on Ruben Amorim’s agenda next year.
The Premier League giants looked at multiple midfielders this summer as well, including Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, VfB Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
The trio are likely to be on United’s wish list for 2026 as well. However, the latest developments suggest that signing one of them could become significantly difficult.
Crystal Palace want Wharton stay
According to The Daily Mail, Palace are keen to tie Wharton down to a new deal to end speculation regarding his future. The Englishman is under contract until 2028 and isn’t looking to leave Selhurst Park either.
The Eagles are likely to include a release clause in his deal, as was done with Eberechi Eze, who left for Arsenal this summer.
The report states: “Crystal Palace are planning to offer Adam Wharton improved terms and a potential release clause as Liverpool and Real Madrid continue to show interest in the midfielder.”
“Wharton remains happy at Palace, but he will have two years left on his contract at the end of the season, and talks over a new deal are expected. Palace previously put a release clause in Eberechi Eze’s contract and will discuss doing similar in this instance.”
The player reportedly has a £75m price tag on his head, but it is believed that his release clause will surpass that figure.
Wharton has been outstanding this season
Wharton has been a revelation since joining the London side from Blackburn Rovers in 2024 for £18m. He is now Oliver Glasner’s chief orchestrator at Selhurst Park.
The 21 year old suffered with injuries last season, registering just 27 appearances across competitions. However, he still managed to catch the eye, helping Palace win the FA Cup in May.
There was a rush for his services over the summer, but the Englishman ended up staying at Selhurst Park. This season, Wharton has registered 10 appearances across competitions for the Eagles, all of which were starts.
He has been key to Palace’s rise this campaign, with Glasner’s side losing just one of their 12 games across competitions. United are understandably impressed with his efforts, but their pursuit of the English wizard will not be a walk in the park.
Wharton’s future could also have a bearing on Glasner’s next move. The Austrian manager’s contract at Selhurst Park expires next summer, and he is already linked with multiple clubs, including the Red Devils.
Tying the Englishman to a new contract could help convince Glasner to sign a new deal.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
