How Adam Wharton feels about Crystal Palace future as Steve Parish addresses Man United links
Adam Wharton is one of many Championship exports who have flourished in the Premier League, with a big-money move surely on the radar.
Crystal Palace signed Wharton from Blackburn Rovers for just £18million in February 2024, and since then, the 21-year-old has cemented himself as one of England’s most exciting talents.
An incredible midfield controller, whose exquisite passing range can unlock any defence, Wharton was key during Palace’s FA Cup triumph, and he’s continued to show levels of form in 2025/26.
| Adam Wharton’s 2025/26 stats |
| 6 appearances |
| 4.5 balls recovered per game |
| 1 tackle per game |
| 1 interception per game |
| 5 big chances created |
| 81% pass completion |
There is an acceptance that Wharton will join one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs one day, and Palace chairman Steve Parish has provided an update on his future.
Adam Wharton is ‘very committed’ to Crystal Palace
Football Insider revealed that Wharton is ‘happy’ at Crystal Palace amid links to Liverpool, and speaking to talkSPORT on Sunday, October 12, Parish reaffirmed his stance.
“He’s an extraordinary talent,” he said. “I think right now, and I can’t speak for Adam, but I think he’s focused on his time at Crystal Palace.
“I think he’s very committed to the club. I don’t know where all this stuff comes from.”
Parish was also asked about Man United’s interest in Wharton, to which he replied: “If Manchester United want Adam Wharton, that’s nothing surprising really about that.
“The fact of the matter is he’s got a long contract to run. There’s no pressure on us to do it, and I don’t think there’s any real pressure from the player either.”
Rio Ferdinand urged Man United to sign Wharton as a long-term replacement for Casemiro, but Parish sees his midfield superstar playing Champions League football, something the Red Devils can’t provide.
Michael Owen shocked after Wharton’s England omission
Wharton is a unique type of midfielder, combining press resistance with elegant ball-carrying and an incredible passing range.
That is why Michael Owen was shocked that Thomas Tuchel left Wharton out of his latest England squad, while Jordan Henderson was selected instead.
“I was surprised at Adam Wharton being left out,” Owen said. “I thought he would be in the squad because he’s playing well and he’s been in squads before.
“He’s having a great season, he’s young, and he is probably the future of that England team.”
After previously being selected for England, Wharton will hope to return to the fold during the November international break.