Liverpool and Real Madrid have suffered a massive blow in their pursuit of Crystal Palace midfield sensation Adam Wharton.

According to Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider, Liverpool and Real Madrid are both interested in acquiring the services of Adam Wharton. The Reds could launch a move for the English international as early as the winter transfer window, but they are unlikely to get their hands on him as he remains an integral part of Oliver Glasner’s plans.

The Eagles are reluctant to lose out on one of their most valuable assets, and they certainly won’t sanction his departure mid-season. As a result, interested clubs might have to wait until next summer to try their luck.

Pete O’Rourke’s take on Adam Wharton’s future

While speaking on the Inside Track podcast, O’Rourke said, “It’ll be highly unlikely that Palace would entertain any offers for Wharton in January. He’s a top player, so if he does become available it won’t just be Liverpool in the market for him, it’ll be most of the big clubs in the Premier League and top European clubs.

“He’s under a long-term contract at Palace until 2029, and it would take a huge fee to prise him away. We know how difficult Palace are to deal with, Liverpool found that out when they tried to sign Marc Guehi before Palace pulled the plug on that deal.

“They don’t want to lose Wharton, especially not in January because he would be a very difficult player for them to replace, so they’ll be doing everything they can to keep hold of him. We know January is a difficult window to do big deals as well, so I don’t see anything happening in January.”

Adam Wharton came up the ranks at Blackburn Rovers and made quite a name for himself while playing for their first team. His sensational rise earned him a move to Crystal Palace at the start of 2024. He has only gone from strength to strength since joining the South London club.

The Englishman’s impressive performances have helped him establish himself as one of their mainstays, and he has even managed to break into the England national team. The 21-year-old midfield sensation now finds himself on the wishlist of some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

European clubs remain keen on Wharton

While there was interest in Adam Wharton during the summer as well, Oliver Glasner blocked a potential exit following Eberechi Eze’s departure. Clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid are keeping tabs on him and could make a move for him in the winter transfer window.

Los Blancos are looking for a new defensive midfielder at the request of Xabi Alonso, and Wharton is seen as an ideal fit. Meanwhile, Liverpool look to strengthen their midfield rotation and feel the Palace sensation could be a great acquisition for the long run.

While Real Madrid are likely to wait until next summer, reports have suggested Liverpool could try to lure him away in the upcoming transfer window. However, Palace are unlikely to sanction his departure.

The English international remains an integral part of Glasner’s plans, and since finding a replacement mid-season won’t be easy, Crystal Palace will block a potential winter exit. The Reds will have to wait until the end of the season to try and sign the 21-year-old.