Real Madrid’s interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton appears to be growing, and their chief scout, Juni Calafat, is a massive fan. The English youngster’s future is in doubt amid reports also suggesting Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United are keeping tabs.
A report from Defensa Central claims that Madrid’s Calafat is “betting on” Wharton and views him as a “strategic” signing. A new creative midfielder is much-needed at the Santiago Bernabeu following the retirement of Toni Kroos and the departure of Luka Modric.
Wharton has long caught the eye since arriving at Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in early 2024. He has been dubbed the English Sergio Busquets due to his ball-playing abilities, but it’s Barcelona’s El Clásico rivals who are keen on taking him to Spain.
Wharton a wanted man
Madrid’s interest in Wharton seems to be intensifying, and Calafat is pushing for the Palace man over Manchester City’s Rodri and Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister. The experienced duo are also on Los Blancos’ wishlists, but don’t seem to be their top target.
The La Liga giants’ focus in recent years has been on signing youth they can develop into world-class players. The likes of Jude Bellingham, 22, Arda Guler, 21, Endrick, 19, and Franco Mastantuono, 18, have all joined the Spaniards and are viewed as the future of the club.
Wharton fits that criteria at 22, a young talent who can be a long-term solution in midfield. He has appeared 37 times across competitions this season, posting five assists.
The report claims that Madrid expects Wharton’s price tag to “skyrocket” to €100 million amid interest from Manchester United and Liverpool. He has just over three years on his contract, but a big-money move in the summer is looking increasingly likely.
Speaks volumes
The fact that Madrid’s chief scout feels Wharton should be top of the club’s wishlist ahead of Rodri and Mac Allister indicates just how highly-rated he is in Europe.
City’s Rodri is a Ballon d’Or winner, long regarded as one of the very best holding midfielders in world football. The 29-year-old might not be at his best this season following recurring injury problems, but he remains one of Europe’s top stars.
Mac Allister played a crucial role in Liverpool’s Premier League title win last season and has a World Cup with Argentina to his name. He is by no means past his best at 27, but Madrid clearly sees more value in Wharton.
| Adam Wharton (Premier League 2025-26) | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances: | 25 |
| Goals: | 0 |
| Assists: | 3 |
| Big chances created: | 9 |
| Key passes: | 1.2 |
| Long balls (accurate): | 2.1 (47%) |
| Ground duels won: | 3.7 (51%) |
| Tackles per game: | 2.3 |
Palace have known just how talented the Blackburn-born midfielder is ever since he joined the South Londoners. He was key in the FA Cup win last season and could be anchoring England’s national team in the years to come.
