Real Madrid’s search for a long-term midfield solution has turned towards the Premier League, where 21-year-old Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace has emerged as their prime target.
The club’s interest comes after a summer where three defensive reinforcements arrived but no midfielder was signed despite departures that have thinned the core of their most successful era.
According to AS, Real Madrid view Wharton as the successor to Toni Kroos who retired after Euro 2024.
Last summer, Xabi Alonso pushed for Martín Zubimendi but Madrid were reluctant to meet Real Sociedad’s €60m [$70m] valuation and the Basque midfielder eventually joined Arsenal.
The English midfielder won’t come cheap as Palace are not likely to sell him below €80m [$92m]
His current contract runs until 2029 which strengthens the London club’s negotiating position amid growing European interest.
Madrid’s hierarchy have already set sights on the midfielder, who they see as a blend of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
Wharton leads Premier League’s creative metrics in 2025
Wharton is the leading chance creator in the Premier League this season [October 11]
He leads the league with five big chances created surpassing Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah who has four and Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka who also has four.
Bournemouth’s David Brooks and Everton’s Jack Grealish follow closely but neither matches Wharton’s consistent creative influence across games.
His passing in congested zones and control under pressure have become defining features of Palace’s attacking rhythm.