Chelsea, Manchester United, and Real Madrid are behind Liverpool in the race to sign 21-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who will cost £60-70 million.

According to an update by Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, Adam Wharton is the subject of interest from Liverpool. The Reds are best-placed to sign the Crystal Palace midfielder, who wants to move to Anfield next year. Chelsea, Manchester United, and Real Madrid are also interested in the English international, with the South London outfit demanding £60-70 million to part ways with him.

Adam Wharton and his meteoric rise in the Premier League

Adam Wharton has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the world since joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024. The Englishman took no time to land on his feet at the South London club, and his exploits have helped him break into his national side.

The 21-year-old has turned out nearly 50 times thus far for Crystal Palace while chipping in with six assists. Meanwhile, Wharton’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several European bigwigs. Premier League giants, in particular, are keen on signing the English international, and the latest reports have linked him with Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Manchester United.

A man in demand

It is surprising that the Crystal Palace target has emerged as a target for Chelsea. However, the West London club’s hoarding policy has brought another young prospect into the spotlight. So, while Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are the undisputed first-choice central midfielders for Chelsea, they also maintain an interest in Wharton.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s interest in Adam Wharton makes sense. The Reds are scouring the market for a holding midfielder amid the underwhelming displays out of possession thus far in the 2025/26 season. So, Wharton is a viable target for Liverpool. As for Manchester United, Casemiro is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career. Additionally, Manuel Ugarte has failed to make his mark during his spell with Manchester United.

So, Wharton is an option worth considering for Manchester United. Meanwhile, Real Madrid may dip into the market for a holding midfielder amid Eduardo Camavinga’s fitness issues. So, the 21-year-old Englishman is a viable target for Real Madrid. Meanwhile, the latest update has revealed that Crystal Palace will demand £60-70 million to part ways with Wharton.

As for Wharton’s stance, the English international is keen on joining Liverpool, thus dealing a blow to Chelsea, Manchester United, and Real Madrid. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the promising Crystal Palace midfielder.