Crystal Palace are reportedly in a three-horse race with two other Premier League clubs to sign a potential replacement for Adam Wharton. Any transfer business conducted in the summer will be under a new manager.
Oliver Glasner will leave the club when his contract expires in June. There is a chance he will depart before the end of the season.
A rebuild could commence this summer to deal with high-profile departures. Eberechi Eze headed to Arsenal last August, and Marc Guehi joined Manchester City last month.
Crystal Palace think Morris is mint
Speculation is growing over Adam Wharton’s future amid interest from Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid. If the English midfielder were to depart, he’d become another star man who would undoubtedly need to be replaced.
Palace signed Wharton from Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers back in early 2024. He’s developed into one of the most highly-rated midfield talents in the Premier League.
The club’s transfer chiefs could be plotting a similar transfer as they are thought to have set their sights on Middlesbrough’s Aidan Morris. The 24-year-old has caught the eye at the Riverside this season, and the Eagles aren’t the only ones keeping tabs.
According to SportsBoom, Everton and Bournemouth are also monitoring Morris. The three top-flight clubs view the American as a ‘top target’, and the Championship side are bracing themselves for a potential sale.
Boro are also wary of growing interest in Morris’ midfield partner Hayden Hackney. The English midfielder is also on Palace’s radar and could be on the move even if his current club are promoted.
Morris has been a key man in the middle of the park for Kim Hellberg’s side. He’s appeared 29 times across competitions, registering two assists.
The USA international arrived at Boro from MLS club Columbus Crew in the summer of 2024 for around £3m. He is predominantly a defensive midfielder but can play a more central role if required.
Hellberg recently praised the American and offered insight into his playing style. He said (via TeesideLive):
“He’s a brilliant player… I like him a lot. He’s very unique in his way of playing – he wants the ball all the time, he’s brave on it and he’s quick in pressing. He’s quick on the ball and off the ball, and especially over short distances where he’s so quick to press.”
Aidan Morris 2025-26 Championship: Statistics: Appearances: 27 Goals: 0 Assists: 2 Big chances created: 1 Key passes: 1.1 Tackles per game: 2.0 Balls recovered per game: 4.2 Ground duels won: 5.3 (57%)
Morris has just over two years left on his contract at the Riverside, so there is pressure on Boro ahead of the summer transfer window. He was reportedly linked with a move to Celtic in January but stayed put.
A Wharton replacement
There is a growing feeling that Wharton has entered the final months of his spell with Palace. The queue for his signature is growing, and he might be the next big-money departure who follows Eze and Guehi out the door.
Wharton has been superb since joining the Eagles, though his side’s disappointing season has led to a dip in form. He was called out by fans after getting caught in possession in a 1-1 draw against Bosnian outfit Zrinjski Mostar on Thursday.
Liverpool, United, Madrid, and Manchester City are the clubs that have been continuously linked with the England international. He has just over three years on his contract, and the South Londoners might find it difficult to turn down a huge fee.
