Adam Wharton, a 21-year-old midfielder, moved to Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers midway through last season and performed well in his six months with the club.He quickly worked his way up to the England national team and was selected for EURO 2024.
Although he did not start, he experienced the international stage from the bench and was expected to make further progress this season. However, he has only played 17 games so far, partly due to a groin operation. He has recently returned to the front line and is starting to return to regular action.
He continues to improve his reputation as a defensive midfielder and his passes and feeds from his left foot are accurate. He can also play a part in setting up attacks from the bottom of midfield, while his tenacious defensive response helps to stave off opposition attacks.
According to Football Insider, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid are all interested in the 21-year-old midfielder’s ability, but Crystal Palace have decided not to take up the offer even if it comes in.
They want to keep him in London for at least the next season and do not want to give up their main midfielders. There are also rumours of key attacking and defensive players such as Marc Guehi, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eberechi Eze leaving the club, making for a heady summer for Oliver Glasner.
Last summer, he also sold now-French international Michael Olise to Bayern Munich, and he is doing his best to keep his recent mainstays, but with the team less than halfway up the table and unlikely to challenge for the Europa League, let alone the Champions League, keeping players who are aiming high will be a daunting task.
Coach Arne Slot prefers to have players who can carry the ball and pass the ball well from the bottom of midfield, and has made a positional change for Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.
Japan midfielder Wataru Endo has also been impressive since being introduced midway through the season, but he has yet to earn a place in the starting line-up, and it is clear that he is keen on a new midfielder.
In terms of style of play, Wharton is the right man for the Dutch coach’s preferred style of football, but there is no denying that he still lacks experience in the top flight.
Will the 21-year-old English midfielder stay at his current club beyond next season, or will he decide to step up?