Adam Wharton Could Cost Over £100m After Palace Exit

Crystal Palace are expected to resist any January approach for Adam Wharton, but former Eagles striker Clinton Morrison believes the midfielder’s departure next summer is inevitable — and could require a fee above £100 million.

Wharton remained at Selhurst Park through the 2026 summer window despite expected interest, with Palace unwilling to weaken their side while pursuing Conference League success. The 22-year-old has not pushed for a move, but Morrison feels the club are already preparing for the likelihood of losing another key player at the end of the campaign.

“Next summer, he will be gone,” Morrison said. “Palace cannot keep hold of Adam Wharton. He is as good as the midfielders who have been moving for big money.”

Palace had already seen Maxence Lacroix and other important players leave, a factor behind their refusal to entertain a Wharton sale in January. Morrison expects further clubs to test their resolve when the winter window opens, but does not anticipate Palace accepting an offer midway through the season.

Palace set huge Wharton valuation

Morrison believes Palace chairman Steve Parish would demand a nine-figure sum for the Blackburn academy product, placing Wharton in the same price bracket as the elite midfielders targeted during the latest spending spree.

Anderson, Fernandez, Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Morgan Rogers were among the central players to dominate the summer market, while Wharton stayed put. Morrison said Palace would seek major money because of the midfielder’s quality, age and room for further development.

“He is in that range,” Morrison said of a potential £100m-plus valuation. “He is a special young player and he has not reached his peak. Anyone trying to take him will have to pay a huge amount.”

Manchester United have previously been linked with Wharton, although they added Santos and Youri Tielemans during the last transfer window. Liverpool have also been credited with interest and could reassess their options once the current season finishes.

There is also the prospect of Wharton moving abroad, with European heavyweights considered capable of making a bid. For now, Palace’s position is clear: no January sale. The major fight for his future is expected to arrive next summer.