Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Sat 30 May 2026 12:00, UK

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Adam Wharton may be at Crystal Palace for at least one more season due to the inevitable spike in his price tag this summer.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that very few clubs across the footballing world can afford the midfielder’s rising transfer fee.

The 22-year-old would have been absolutely crushed to miss out on Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup, but there was no lack of confidence apparent in the Europa Conference League final.

Wharton is one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League this summer, with Man United and Bayern Munich, for example, keeping tabs, but he could yet be at Selhurst Park for another campaign.

Adam Wharton has become too expensive after European success

Social media was filled to the brim with praise for the 22-year-old midfielder during the 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, 27 May, but that could actually harm his career in the long run.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “The only question is, who can afford him? How many teams can really afford, let’s say, £100million? Not many teams can afford £100million.

“I’m not really sure what happens next. It doesn’t seem to be on anybody’s immediate radar, from what I can gather, for £100million. Obviously, a few teams would like to sign him, but it’s not quite the same thing as being able to or willing to.

“Maybe he stays another season. But clearly, he’s a player that’s catching the eye, shall we say. And these are the games where it matters because I think, probably, if West Ham don’t win the [Europa League] Conference, [Declan] Rice doesn’t go for £105million either.

“These games do increase the value of these players, big games, big performances. Whether we like it or not, these things do make a difference to their perceived value in the market. But who can actually afford it?”

Which big-name stars could depart Selhurst Park instead?

Oliver Glasner is already leaving through Selhurst Park’s exit doors this summer, and with that, several players could follow suit despite another impressive season from the Eagles.

Jean-Philippe Mateta failed to leave Palace during the winter transfer window, with AC Milan discovering an injury during his medical, but he remains just as heavily linked with a move away.

Ismaila Sarr, Tyrick Mithell and Daniel Munoz are all being eyed up by Premier League rivals, but Europa League football should help the Eagles to keep some of their bigger names.

Mick Brown revealed to Football Insider that, in addition to the previous names, Maxence Lacroix is increasingly likely to depart, and he’s been a force to be reckoned with in the centre of defence.