In the rapidly evolving landscape of European football, few prospects have seen their stock rise as steeply as Adam Wharton. The 22-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder has transitioned from a promising English talent to the center of a high-stakes transfer tug-of-war between Manchester United and Real Madrid. With his unique ability to dictate tempo and break lines, Wharton is being hailed as the "missing piece" for clubs seeking technical mastery in the center of the pitch.
Whether you are tracking his next career move or his skyrocketing stats in FC 26, here is everything you need to know about the midfield maestro.
Adam Wharton: Man Utd or Real Madrid?
The summer of 2026 is shaping up to be the "Wharton Saga." After a standout season where he helped Crystal Palace secure an FA Cup and a Community Shield, the elite are circling.
Manchester United: Internal reports from February 2026 suggest Wharton is United’s primary midfield target.
Other Suitors: Liverpool and Tottenham remain "interested observers," though Champions League football is reportedly Wharton's non-negotiable requirement for any move.
Style of Play: Is he a 6 or an 8?
The beauty of Wharton’s game lies in his positional fluidity. While technically categorized as a Defensive Midfielder (CDM), he defies traditional numbering.
The Deep-Lying Playmaker (6): Wharton excels at sitting in front of the defense, using his left foot to carve open pressing structures.
What makes him so good? It’s his "disguised passing." Wharton frequently uses his body shape to feign a safe sideways pass before fizzing a vertical ball through the lines, catching defenders off-balance.
Market Value & Contract Status
Crystal Palace are in a strong negotiating position, having tied Wharton to a long-term deal shortly after his arrival from Blackburn.
Contract: His current deal runs until June 30, 2029.
Transfer Cost: While his market value is officially listed at €63.4M, Crystal Palace have reportedly set a "starting price" of £65M – £75M for the summer 2026 window.Release Clause: Rumors suggest a new contract extension may be on the table at Selhurst Park, which would include a release clause exceeding £85M.
FC 26 Rating & Virtual Stats
For the gamers, Wharton has received a significant boost in EA Sports FC 26.
| Attribute | Base Rating (79 OVR) | Notable Potential |
| Passing | 79 (84 Long Passing) | Elite Playmaker |
| Dribbling | 76 (82 Composure) | Press Resistant |
| Defending | 73 (77 Interceptions) | High IQ Positioning |
| PlayStyles | Intercept, Tiki Taka | Incisive Pass+ |
2025/2026 Season at a Glance
Matches Played: 33
Assists: 4 (including a vital Community Shield assist)
Pass Accuracy: 78.9% (High for a vertical passer)Trophies: FA Cup (24/25), Community Shield (25/26)