England international with $80M price tag offered to Real Madrid

The list of Englishmen to play for Real Madrid includes the likes of David Beckham, Steve McManaman, Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Soon that list may have another name, if Adam Wharton decides to swap South London for the Spanish capital.

Although yet to establish himself in Thomas Tuchel’s England team, Wharton is considered one of the most promising young midfielders in the Premier League. With such talent, he is already attracting attention from some of the world’s biggest teams.

His current team, Crystal Palace, are thought to be awaiting a significant offer. Any bidders will likely have to exceed the $80 million transfer fee received for Eberechi Eze last summer. AS sources in Spain suggest that Adam Wharton has been offered to Real Madrid, although the Spanish side have not yet decided on a move.

Which teams are interested in Adam Wharton?

Still only 21 years old, Wharton signed for Crystal Palace two years ago and has established himself as a key part of an overachieving team. His performances have attracted interest from Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea in the Premier League.

Real Madrid have looked short of a midfielder at points this season, without a natural alternative to Aurélien Tchouameni. At times Arda Güler and Jude Bellingham have been required to play more defensive roles to fortify the Madrid midfield.

Wharton is not a pure playmaker like Vitinha or Pedri, but a player who can dictate tempo while still offering a creative instinct. He already boasts an intelligence that belies his 21 years of age.

In England, Wharton has drawn praise from Pep Guardiola for his composed style and maturity. Ahead of Palace’s FA Cup final triumph over Guardiola’s Manchester City, the Spanish coach described Wharton as an “excellent holding midfielder.”

Guardiola said of Wharton: “The impact has been really good, coming from the Championship to the Premier League, brilliant left foot, a really good player.”

This season, Wharton leads the Premier League in completed passes between the lines (3.77 per 90 minutes) and has been a regular creator for Palace goals. In March 2025 Wharton became the youngest player since 2004 to create six goalscoring opportunities in a single Premier League match.