Man United Tables Bid for ‘Outstanding’ EPL Star Adam Wharton Amid Transfer Speculation
Manchester United have reportedly made an opening bid for Adam Wharton, the highly rated midfielder currently playing for Crystal Palace. Despite their lack of midfield signings in the 2025 transfer window, the Red Devils are already looking ahead to the next window as they prepare to strengthen their squad.
Wharton, 21, is seen as one of the top up-and-coming talents in the Premier League, with several clubs reportedly keen to secure his services. However, United appear to be moving quickly, hoping to get ahead of competition, particularly from Liverpool, who have also shown interest in the England international.
Wharton: A Rising Star in the Midfield
Since making his debut for Crystal Palace, Adam Wharton has impressed with his technical ability and vision on the ball, making him an exciting prospect for many top clubs. Over 45 appearances in the Premier League, Wharton has yet to find the back of the net but has contributed five assists, proving his worth as a creative presence in the middle of the park.
Before his promotion to the Premier League, Wharton had enjoyed a solid stint in the Championship, where he scored 4 goals and provided 4 assists in 44 appearances. His performances have drawn praise for his maturity and ability to control the tempo of the game, qualities that have caught the eye of Manchester United’s scouting team.
Ruben Amorim’s Admiration for Wharton
United’s interest in Wharton is reportedly driven by Ruben Amorim, who is said to be a huge admirer of the midfielder. Amorim, who has gained recognition for his success at Sporting CP, is reportedly keen on bringing Wharton into United’s squad as part of their long-term vision.
A trusted source on X (formerly Twitter) revealed that Amorim believes Wharton can be an integral part of United’s midfield project and that the club has already tested Crystal Palace’s resolve by submitting an opening bid. The report also highlights Amorim’s belief that he could persuade Wharton to make the move to Old Trafford before any other suitors, such as Liverpool, can make their move.
“My contact at the club are telling me that a bid has been submitted for Adam Wharton,” the source said. “Ruben Amorim loves the player and believes he can sell the project to Adam before Liverpool contact the player.”
Man United’s January Bid: Realistic or Not?
While this transfer rumor has sent fans into a frenzy, some reports suggest that Manchester United may face an uphill battle to secure Wharton in the January transfer window. The player has been performing well for Palace, and many insiders believe that it will be difficult for United to pry him away mid-season, especially with Palace likely to hold firm on their star player.
Some pundits argue that a January transfer for Wharton might be premature, with many expecting United to focus their efforts on summer transfers when they have a better idea of their needs and the market conditions. However, the early bid could simply be a strategic move by United to lay the groundwork for a summer transfer while ensuring they don’t lose out to rivals.
Wharton’s Potential Fit at Manchester United
Should the deal go through, Wharton would add significant depth to United’s midfield, offering a dynamic presence with his flair and technique. Known for his excellent passing range and composure, Wharton could provide a more technical alternative to some of United’s more defensive-minded midfielders.
However, the question of compatibility with Bruno Fernandes is likely to come up. While both players possess excellent vision, many feel that Fernandes is more effective when paired with a strong defensive midfielder rather than a deep-lying playmaker like Wharton. This raises questions about how United would use both players in tandem—whether they would form a double pivot or if one would play a more advanced role.
Given Fernandes’ attacking responsibilities, many fans and analysts have suggested that United would benefit more from a ball-winning midfielder to complement their Portuguese star. Wharton’s best qualities lie in his ability to control the tempo and dictate play, which could be a good fit, but it would require fine-tuning by manager Erik ten Hag.
Wharton’s Career Stats
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 45 | 0 | 5 |
| Championship | 44 | 4 | 4 |
| FA Cup | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Carabao Cup | 8 | 0 | 1 |
Will Liverpool Pounce?
Despite United’s early move, Liverpool is also expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress. Jurgen Klopp has long been a fan of young, dynamic midfielders, and Wharton’s qualities could be an ideal addition to their squad. United’s bid, however, could help them get ahead of the competition, particularly if Amorim can sell the vision of playing for United in the Premier League.
While it’s unlikely that a deal will be struck before January, the interest from both clubs is certainly one to watch as the transfer window approaches. United’s proactive approach could put them in a good position to finalize the deal in the summer, but whether they can beat Liverpool to the punch remains to be seen.
Conclusion: A Future Star for Manchester United?
The potential signing of Adam Wharton marks an exciting possibility for Manchester United. The 21-year-old has the potential to add creativity and technical quality to the club’s midfield, and if the bid materializes, it could signal the start of an exciting new chapter for both Wharton and United.
While the transfer battle is far from over, United fans will be hoping that this bid serves as an early statement of intent as they continue to shape the future of their squad. Whether Wharton arrives in January or next summer, it’s clear that United are planning for the long-term with this promising young star in their sights.
