Crystal Palace are set to hold their ground in the January transfer window, rejecting any potential move for rising star Adam Wharton despite mounting interest from Manchester City and Arsenal.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who joined the South London side less than a year ago, has already caught the attention of Premier League giants, but Palace remain steadfast in their determination to keep him at Selhurst Park—at least for now.
A Vital Asset for Palace
Wharton’s absence has been keenly felt in Palace’s struggling campaign this season. The dynamic midfielder has been sidelined since late October due to a groin injury that required surgery, with his last appearance coming in a League Cup victory over Aston Villa. Palace’s performances in his absence have highlighted his importance to the team, as they’ve managed just one Premier League win during his recovery.
Palace manager Glasner recently offered an update on Wharton’s progress, confirming that the youngster is set to return to training after the club’s upcoming fixture against Ipswich Town. While he is unlikely to feature in the immediate games, a potential comeback against Brighton could be on the cards. Glasner’s optimism underscores Wharton’s significance in the squad’s plans for the second half of the season.
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Man City’s Interest Grows
Manchester City have reportedly been monitoring Wharton as a potential long-term replacement for Rodri, who has been out with injury. According to several reports, Wharton “ticks a lot of boxes” for City’s recruitment team. Despite City’s well-documented depth, their interest in Wharton reflects the growing recognition of his potential as a versatile and creative presence in midfield.
Arsenal, too, are said to be closely observing Wharton’s development, making him one of the most sought-after young players in the Premier League. The North London club has been tracking his performances and could emerge as strong contenders should Palace consider selling in the future.
Crystal Palace’s Stance
Former scout Mick Brown, revealed that Palace have no intention of entertaining offers for Wharton in January. Brown, a seasoned figure in football recruitment, stated:
“I wouldn’t expect Wharton to go anywhere in January. Palace aren’t going to let him leave midway through the season. They’ve missed him while he’s been out, and he only arrived last January. They don’t want him to leave so soon after he came in.”
Brown further emphasized Palace’s reluctance to undergo another wave of departures, referencing the summer exits of key players like Joachim Andersen and Jordan Ayew. With speculation already swirling around the futures of Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze, the club is keen to stabilize its core squad.
A Summer Decision Looms
While Palace are firm on keeping Wharton in January, the summer transfer window could tell a different story. Brown hinted that interested clubs might reignite their pursuit once Wharton is fully fit and firing. His performances in the latter half of the season will likely determine the scale of bids from suitors like Man City and Arsenal.
“If that interest comes back in the summer, and I expect it will, then maybe they’ll entertain offers. But he won’t leave in the middle of the season,” Brown concluded.
Wharton’s Future in Focus
For now, Crystal Palace remain focused on integrating Wharton back into the squad and using his energy and creativity to fuel a turnaround in their fortunes. The club’s stance signals a commitment to holding onto their most promising talents as they seek to avoid further upheaval.
Palace fans will be eager to see Wharton return to action and help guide the team away from the lower rungs of the Premier League table. Whether his presence will ultimately secure Palace’s long-term ambitions—or set the stage for a big-money move—remains to be seen.
Stay tuned for updates on Wharton’s comeback and the latest developments in this intriguing transfer saga.
