Crystal Palace messed up over Adam Wharton as sudden downturn explained
Crystal Palace's owners will surely regret not cashing in on Adam Wharton when they had the chance during the summer.
Manchester City and Liverpool were both heavily linked, with Pierre Sage confirming that the Eagles had received bids for their midfielder.
Undoubtedly, the 22-year-old has been one of the Premier League's most impressive players over the last couple of seasons.
He notched one goal and seven assists in 53 games across all competitions last term, helping Palace to lift the Europa Conference League title.
His performances didn't go unnoticed, with plenty of teams across Europe being linked, but he stayed put at Selhurst Park instead.
Do the owners wish they had sold him one a big-money transfer? Only those inside Selhurst Park will know the answer, but you can certainly take a guess.
Adam Wharton concerns emerge at Selhurst Park
The Eagles are certainly used to a mid-table standing, so sitting 12th in the Premier League after six games won't be at all surprising.
Defeats to Everton, Man City and Ipswich Town have meant a difficult start to the campaign for Sage's side, having far more success in cup competitions.
And despite a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest this weekend, many would agree that Wharton had one of his worst performances in a Palace shirt to date.
He improved drastically after the half-time break, but it is not the first time in 2026-27 that fans have been left wondering if it's the same player in midfield.
The Eagles must have some regret over missing out on such a big fee for the player. He's destined to leave, and maybe no longer for the same price.
Who could sign Wharton now?
After several big signings and the 114 charges hanging over, Man City are now an unlikely destination for the England international.
Links to Liverpool appear to have gone cold, but one Premier League giant remains in the conversation for Wharton's signature.
Football Insider understands that Chelsea continue to track his development, but will wait until next summer to make a move.
Jordan Henderson can only star at Stamford Bridge for so long. Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia need competition, and Wharton would fit into that team very nicely.