Crystal Palace face a pivotal January transfer window as their midfield sensation Adam Wharton is at the centre of staggering interest from European giants Real Madrid, while summer signing Borna Sosa could be set for a swift exit.
Palace Braced for Major Bids for Wharton
According to reports from Spanish outlet AS, Crystal Palace are anticipating significant bids for England international Adam Wharton during this transfer window. The 21-year-old, who joined the Eagles from Blackburn Rovers for £22 million in February 2024, has no release clause in his contract which runs until 2029.
The South London club's valuation is understood to be steep, with the hierarchy looking to receive a fee exceeding the £68 million they banked from Arsenal for Eberechi Eze last summer. This sets the stage for a potential record-breaking sale.
Real Madrid Interest and Premier League Suitors
The report claims that Real Madrid see Wharton as a player who could liberate stars like Aurelien Tchouameni and Arda Guler, allowing them to adopt more advanced roles. Intriguingly, it is suggested that Wharton has been 'offered' to the La Liga titans, though a summer move is considered more probable than an immediate January switch.
Domestically, the midfielder remains a prime target for several Premier League heavyweights. Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea are all named as potential suitors. Arsenal are ruled out after signing Martin Zubimendi, while Tottenham's current struggles reportedly take them out of the running.
Wharton's agent, James Featherstone, recently told talkSPORT in December that they have a structured plan, stating: "He's got his in-game and in-season goals, so he's got to do his bit, and the rest will take care of itself... to ultimately maximise his talent."
Summer Signing Sosa Linked with January Departure
In a separate development, Crystal Palace defender Borna Sosa is being linked with a departure from Selhurst Park just months after his arrival. The 27-year-old Croatian was signed from Ajax in July 2025 to provide cover for right wing-back Daniel Munoz.
However, Sosa has found minutes extremely hard to come by, managing just 27 minutes of Premier League football this season. Even with Munoz injured, manager Oliver Glasner has preferred veteran Nathaniel Clyne.
Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has revealed that German side Mainz 05 have enquired about Sosa's availability. He noted that, at present, the player is not actively seeking a move despite his limited role. Sosa is under contract with Palace until 2028, making this a situation to monitor closely as the window progresses.
These potential movements highlight the challenging balancing act facing Crystal Palace, as they aim to retain their crown jewels like Wharton while managing a squad player seeking more regular football, all during a window where Glasner is keen to strengthen his options.
