In south London, Adam Wharton has made clear that his focus remains with Crystal Palace after a summer in which Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool were linked with the England midfielder. The 22-year-old, regarded as a central figure at Selhurst Park, says a move away was never part of his thinking.
The news from the club
Wharton was the subject of interest from Manchester City during the recent transfer window, with the Etihad Stadium one possible destination for a player who has become vital to Palace’s midfield. Yet Palace retained him, and the player has explained that he did not seriously consider leaving.
Speaking before the Eagles’ Europa League meeting with Lech Poznan, Wharton said he deliberately keeps transfer matters at a distance, including from his own representative.
“I did not really think about transfers during the summer,” Wharton said. “I stay well away from that side of things. My agent tells me very little, and I do not want to know. I never had another club in mind. I was here training, looking forward to the new season, working with the manager and the new players.”
The midfielder joined Palace in January 2024 from Blackburn Rovers, the club from his home city. He said he still has three years remaining on his Palace deal and expects to remain unless another side buys him or the London club offer fresh terms.
“As far as I know, I will be at Palace for another three years,” he added, “unless somebody purchases me or I am offered a new contract.”
European calendar
Wharton’s comments came on the eve of Palace’s Europa League fixture against Polish side Lech Poznan, another marker of the club’s growing continental schedule as they look to keep one of their most important players settled in London.
