As the Club World Cup continues and Madrid’s midfield shortcomings remain evident, Real Madrid are quietly pursuing an unexpected transfer target: Adam Wharton.
Although names like Martín Zubimendi and Angelo Stiller had been widely considered as the main options for Xabi Alonso’s lineup, Madrid’s latest moves suggest a surprising change of direction that few predicted.
Zubimendi and Stiller are no longer priorities.
Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi was long considered Alonso’s ideal midfield signing: a player with tactical acumen, composure, and leadership. However, his imminent move to Arsenal has eliminated him from Madrid’s list.
Stiller, praised for his Kroos-esque style, was also considered a cheaper option. However, Madrid is now focusing on a promising Premier League talent.
Adam Wharton: A rising star.
Within the club, 20-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is being targeted by Real Madrid. Although still relatively unknown outside of England, Wharton has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young talents, impressing with his composure, passing range, and resilience under pressure.
Jude Bellingham is believed to have personally recommended Wharton to the Madrid coaching staff. The two have shared time in England’s youth and senior teams, and Bellingham reportedly believes Wharton’s mentality and skills would be a perfect fit at the Bernabéu.
A difficult but feasible deal.
Offloading Wharton won’t be easy. Palace are under no pressure to sell after recently extending his contract until 2029. Initial reports place his price tag at around €45 million, but Madrid acknowledges that figure could rise considerably, especially with other elite clubs following his progress. Furthermore, Wharton’s debut for the senior England team only strengthens Palace’s negotiating position.
That said, Madrid is seriously considering a transfer, especially given the current concerns over midfield depth that Franco Mastantuono alone may not be able to address for the long campaign ahead.
A long-term investment.
With Toni Kroos retiring and Luka Modrić approaching the end of his career, Madrid’s need to revamp its midfield is no longer a question of if, but when. Adam Wharton may not yet be a household name, but club officials see him as a player who could become a key figure in the coming years.
If this signing goes through, it would continue Madrid’s tradition of identifying and investing in young talent, just as they did with Bellingham, Valverde, and Camavinga before they became stars.
