Crystal Palace must turn their attentions to convincing Adam Wharton to stay at the club for as long as possible after yet another standout performance in the win over Liverpool.
The young central midfielder has been an exceptional talent since his move to the club from Blackburn Rovers, which has seen him develop into one of the most sought-after young players in Europe.
The 21-year-old is said to be being tracked by several top clubs across the continent over a potential transfer in 2026, including the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and even Real Madrid thanks to his passing ability, positioning and overall quality.
But while all attention at Selhurst Park is on the future of captain Marc Guehi, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season, the club should already be looking at tying down other members of the squad instead.
Crystal Palace Have ‘Agreement’ to Sell Wharton
Wharton, who has been described as ‘elite’, turned in another top display as the Eagles ended Liverpool’s 100% record in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon thanks to a 98th minute strike from substitute Eddie Nketiah.
The performance came after it was reported by GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs that there is a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ in place between the club and player that he would be allowed to leave in the summer of 2026 – in a similar scenario to that of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze before him in the last two summer windows.
But with Guehi almost certain to move on without signing a new contract, Palace must do everything they can to keep the young midfielder in south London for as long as possible – even if that means making him their highest-paid player in the process.
Losing a key player every summer makes it incredibly difficult for Palace to build and improve year upon year, but this would also be a statement of intent that they are not a selling club for Europe’s elite to flock to every time they hit the jackpot with their player development gambles.
Keeping Wharton keeps the squad strong, but it also allows Wharton to continue playing regularly at a high level before potentially moving on in the future considering his age. He’s not at his peak yet like Eze was, and isn’t an attacker like Olise whose output is beyond his club.
It’s understandable that the club are currently focused on trying to convince Guehi to sign an extension rather than lose him for nothing, but that feels like whispering in the wind at this point. He will leave, and nothing will change that. Instead, channel that energy into convincing Wharton that Selhurst Park is the place to be for the coming years.
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