Real Madrid’s search for a new midfielder could become significantly more complicated, with Crystal Palace reportedly demanding more than €90 million for Adam Wharton, report Defensa Central.
Notably, the English midfielder remains one of the names being monitored by Real Madrid as the club continues to assess its options after Rodri decided to join Barcelona instead.
However, the price attached to Wharton could prove to be a major obstacle.
Crystal Palace are said to be asking for more than £78 million, which translates to roughly €91 million.
That valuation has understandably caused hesitation at the Santiago Bernabeu, particularly with Real Madrid’s plans for further business heavily dependent on player departures.
The situation leaves Wharton in an interesting position, especially because the midfielder is also attracting interest from Liverpool, but the report claims that a move to Real Madrid remains an appealing possibility for the player.
Crystal Palace are demanding over €90 million for Adam Wharton. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
For now, though, there is a major gap between Real Madrid’s interest and the conditions required to make a transfer happen.
Crystal Palace set €90 million-plus asking price
In the last few months, Adam Wharton has emerged as one of the midfielders being linked with Real Madrid during the closing stages of the transfer window.
The 22-year-old’s profile is particularly attractive because of his ability to perform more than one role in midfield.
He can contribute in possession, help progress the ball and offer tactical flexibility, making him the type of player who could fit into different systems.
According to the report, Jose Mourinho has already made it clear to the Real Madrid hierarchy that he would like another midfield addition, and Wharton fits the profile the new manager is looking for.
However, Crystal Palace are in a strong position. With an asking price of more than €90 million, the Premier League club is making it clear that they have no intention of letting one of their key players leave cheaply.
Adam Wharton is on Jose Mourinho’s shortlist. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
That figure could force Real Madrid to reconsider whether a move for Wharton is worth pursuing this summer.
Real Madrid exits could decide Wharton transfer
The biggest issue for Real Madrid is not simply the price, since any further movement in the transfer market appears to depend heavily on departures.
The current squad is already well stocked, and without players leaving, there may be little room for another major signing.
So far, that has created a problem for Mourinho, as no Real Madrid player is currently eager to leave, making it increasingly possible that the club’s summer business could already be complete.
Real Madrid have already seen some potential midfield options disappear from the market, leaving Wharton among the names still under consideration.
But with Crystal Palace demanding such a substantial fee, the Englishman remains a costly solution.