Manchester United would reportedly be confident in their ability to sign Adam Wharton in the next summer transfer window, but must first fulfil one condition.
In the 2026 transfer window, Manchester United have planned to sign at least one new midfielder. The Red Devils have a shortlist of seven names for this position with Carlos Baleba, Elliott Anderson and also Joao Gomes. Ideally, Ruben Amorim would like to have a reinforcement this winter and another next summer.
However, an arrival could be complicated to seal in January. Indeed, there is the possibility of overpaying for a player during this window, whilst others will not consider a departure six months before the World Cup. Thus, Manchester United could only strengthen in the next summer transfer window.
Manchester United confident of signing Adam Wharton
Whilst Manchester City have entered the race for Elliott Anderson, the English side are primarily targeting another midfielder: Adam Wharton. According to information from the Mirror, Manchester United would be confident in their ability to sign the Crystal Palace Englishman next summer for €80m (£68.3m).
At just 21 years old, he is already an England international and an undisputed starter at the Eagles. The Mancunian club would be very well placed in this case, despite significant competition from Liverpool and Real Madrid. Ruben Amorim has already approved Wharton's profile and considers him an ideal player to strengthen his midfield.
Adam Wharton wants to play in European competition
However, according to the same source, the young defensive midfielder will refuse a transfer to Manchester United next summer if the Mancunians are not playing in European competition, as is the case this season. Adam Wharton is not against a departure from Crystal Palace, whom he joined in summer 2024, but only if he joins a more prestigious club where he can reach a new level.
It should be noted that, for now, the Red Devils are not in a position to qualify for European competition. 12th in the Premier League, the English giants are however not far from the European places with only three points behind fifth-placed Aston Villa, provisionally qualified for the Europa League. United can thus move closer this Sunday, at 1pm, with a victory against Crystal Palace and… Adam Wharton.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
