It’s fair to say that Crystal Palace’s FA Cup win has come with its consequences, particularly trying to keep hold of Oliver Glasner’s star men. Eberechi Eze left for Arsenal last summer in a £67.5m deal before Marc Guehi headed to Manchester City in January for £20m.
Adam Wharton looks to be the latest Palace star on every European giant’s radar. The 22-year-old is undoubtedly one of English football’s most exciting youngsters.
When he arrived from Blackburn Rovers for £18m in early 2024, there were huge expectations. He has arguably exceeded them, given his importance in the middle of the park.
Wharton worries
The Crystal Palace midfielder’s sensational performances last season helped his side win the FA Cup. He was also a key man in the Community Shield triumph over Liverpool in this campaign’s curtain raiser.
Arne Slot’s defending champions are among the list of clubs eyeing Wharton. He is seen as an ideal acquisition to anchor the Reds’ midfield in the long term.
Should Liverpool make a move for the Palace star, they will face competition from three of their Premier League rivals. Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are also thought to be keeping tabs.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Real Madrid have also set their sights on Wharton. He will have three years left on his contract this summer, and the report claims he will cost at least €70m (£61m).
Given the growing queue to land the Palace player, that fee will undoubtedly rise. It’s a hugely important summer for the Eagles who are staring at the possibility of losing their manager and their midfield maestro.
A Parish plan
In the event that Wharton does leave this summer, it’s vital that Steve Parish’s transfer chiefs replace him. The young Englishman’s acquisition was a masterstroke that needs to be replicated.
Crystal Palace were linked with Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney last year. The 23-year-old’s stock has grown in recent seasons.
Hackney has been key for Boro in their push for Premier League promotion this season. He has appeared 34 times across competitions, registering five goals and six assists.
Football Insider reported in March 2025 that Palace sent scouts to watch the England U21 international in action during the 2024-25 campaign. A fee of at least £20m was suggested at the time but that will likely have increased given his recent form.
Boro boss Kim Hellberg recently hailed Hackney amid the Englishman captaining his side since November. He spoke highly of the player’s qualities (via TeesideLive):
“Hayden is a fantastic player. He’s good at everything. He could play in every position there is on the pitch and do it brilliantly.”
Hackney’s leadership qualities are an important factor regarding a potential move to Palace. Guehi’s departure to City has left the club light of a dominant voice in the dressing room.
The Boro midfielder seems to be captain material, which Wharton somewhat lacks. His manager added:
“He was such a good captain, and he is such a good guy for the team. When you watch him play football, everyone can see that he is brilliant. But it is everything else around that, that has impressed me so much with him.”
Hackney will have a year left on his contract this summer, which puts Boro under pressure to cash in. If they fail to earn promotion to the top-flight, that could help Palace should they decide to pursue him.
The former Scunthorpe United man has also garnered interest from Manchester United. Reports claim that the Red Devils are tempted to reunite him with his former manager, Michael Carrick.
