Manchester United are growing increasingly confident they can secure the signature of Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton in a deal worth around £70 million, according to fresh reports. However, the ambitious move is contingent on one non-negotiable condition: the club must secure European qualification for next season.
The Wharton Condition: Europe or Bust
The Red Devils, under manager Ruben Amorim, have identified the midfield as a key area for reinforcement. The club explored deals for several targets, including Carlos Baleba and Wharton himself last summer, but ultimately decided against a major purchase after spending nearly £200m on attackers Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko.
Amorim is said to view the 21-year-old Wharton as an 'ideal fit' for his system at Old Trafford and is prepared to sanction the substantial transfer. The young midfielder's rise has been meteoric since his £22m move from Blackburn Rovers to Crystal Palace in 2024. His assured and technical performances were instrumental in Palace's FA Cup triumph last season and their push for European places this term.
This impressive form has also earned him three England caps and put him in contention for a spot in Thomas Tuchel's squad for next summer's World Cup. With such a rapid ascent, it is no surprise that top clubs are circling.
A Crowded Transfer Race
Despite reported interest from heavyweights like Liverpool and Real Madrid, the Daily Mirror suggests that Manchester United are currently leading the chase. The club's need for a midfielder is acute, a gap Amorim failed to fill in the previous transfer window.
However, United's lack of European football this season, a consequence of their 15th-place finish last year, presents a significant hurdle. Wharton, currently enjoying Conference League football with Palace, is understandably reluctant to take a step down. The report claims he is ready to snub United if they fail to qualify for any European competition.
The race is still very much on, with the Red Devils set to get a close-up view of their primary target when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
Scholes Backs Wharton Move
The potential signing has garnered support from a Manchester United legend. Paul Scholes, one of the club's greatest-ever midfielders, recently weighed in on the transfer speculation, revealing he would choose Wharton over other linked players like Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson.
'I think all three of them are really good players,' Scholes told Sky Sports. 'I just think Wharton’s got a little bit more quality... I’d probably say I’d go Wharton.'
While he questioned if Wharton has the physicality for Old Trafford's large pitch, Scholes ultimately backed the England international's technical ability, giving a significant endorsement to the potential transfer.
The coming months will be critical. United's pursuit of Adam Wharton is a clear statement of intent, but its success is directly tied to their performance on the pitch. Their ability to climb from their current 12th position—just four points off the Champions League places in a congested table—will likely determine if one of England's most promising talents will be wearing red next season.
