Crystal Palace fans have taken to social media with a mix of amusement and familiar weary cynicism after footage emerged of star midfielder Adam Wharton winning a signed 2005 Liverpool Champions League shirt on an eBay Live stream.
Using the handle @whartttty, the 22-year-old was filmed nervously watching the auction timer tick down before placing a winning £410 bid for the memorabilia item signed by former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and inscribed with ‘European Champions Istanbul 2005’.
Upon securing the item, a visibly delighted Wharton rocked back in his chair and said: “We got it.”
A cutaway in the clip showed Wharton outside after the delivery arrived, holding up the shirt laid across a sun lounger: “So the shirt from Icon Memorabilia’s live stream has just arrived – here it is. What a beauty that is.”
While opposition supporters particularly those on Merseyside were quick to read into the optics given long-standing transfer links, sources close to Selhurst Park insist there is zero anxiety internally regarding the player’s commitment or professionalism.
Naturally, Liverpool fans online instantly jumped on the clip, treating it like a massive signal that he wants a move to Anfield. But honestly? Looking at it for Palace it’s just a 22-year-old lad who loves football buying a cool piece of history.
Understanding the Madrid and Anfield Interest
That night in Istanbul is one of the greatest games ever played. Liverpool were 3-0 down at half-time against a legendary AC Milan team. Then Gerrard scored a header on 54 minutes, Vladimir Šmicer smashed one in two minutes later, and Xabi Alonso put away a rebound on 60 minutes to make it 3-3. Liverpool went on to win the penalty shootout 3-2 after misses from Serginho, Andrea Pirlo, and Andriy Shevchenko. It’s an iconic moment, whether you support Liverpool or not.
Besides, buying a classic kit on eBay doesn’t change the transfer reality. Palace have zero interest in letting Wharton go on the cheap and have stamped a massive £78 million price tag on him.
The interest in the Crystal Palace star extends far beyond Anfield. Real Madrid and their manager José Mourinho actively scout for a top-tier central midfielder after failing to secure Rodri, who now edges closer to a high-profile move to Barcelona. Premier League analysts and European scouts frequently compare
Wharton’s game to the Spanish international, pointing to his press-resistance, tactical discipline, and exceptional range of passing. With elite teams across Europe seeking a composure-first midfield anchor who can dictate the tempo of top-level matches, these super-clubs naturally view the 22-year-old Englishman as their prime long-term target.
So while opposition fans can speculate all they want over a live stream clip, Wharton is still a Palace player and it’s going to take a huge pile of cash to change that.
