Tottenham Hotspur target Adam Wharton also on the radar of European heavyweights
Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of a creative midfielder finally came to fruition on Friday when they announced the signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.
Spurs pipped London rivals Chelsea to the signing of Xavi Simons and have handed him the No.7 shirt vacated by former skipper Son Heung-min. He has joined the Lilywhites on a contract until 2030, with an option to extend it by two years, and the Netherlands international will be looking to cement his place in Thomas Frank’s XI in James Maddison’s long-term injury absence.
In addition to a No.10, the Lilywhites have been also interested in a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. In his 18 months at Crystal Palace, the Englishman has become a key component in Oliver Glasner’s side. He was instrumental in the Eagles winning the FA Cup and the Community Shield in a three-month span.
However, Crystal Palace have no interest in parting ways with the talented midfielder before the transfer window closes. They have placed a valuation of £100 million on Adam Wharton, a figure which has deterred Tottenham. However, that is not the case with other European bigwigs.
European trio eyeing £100m-rated Adam Wharton
According to an exclusive report from CaughtOffside, Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid are all showing a strong interest in the potential move for Wharton. Palace are anticipating offers for the 21-year-old late in the transfer window. The club is hoping to deter suitors with its £100 million valuation, especially after already selling star playmaker Eberechi Eze to Arsenal and being on the verge of parting ways with captain Marc Guehi.
Tottenham made “direct contact with Palace before the Community Shield” over the England international, though things have not moved ahead since then, one source told CaughtOffside. As per reports from earlier this summer, Liverpool remain favourites to sign Wharton from Palace. The player has decided to stay at Selhurst Park for another season and then decide to make a concrete decision on the next step in his career.
One of the hottest young English talents, Wharton is also on the radar of Manchester United. The Mancunian giants may also concretely enter the race for his signature in the future but a move would be dependant on their pursuit of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, the aforementioned report adds.
Difficult deal for Tottenham next year
If Wharton stays at Palace beyond this transfer window, as seems likely, Tottenham will face obstacles in their bid to bring him to the club next summer. The presence of European heavyweights, their financial muscle and projects would make it difficult for Spurs to lure the 21-year-old away from Selhurst Park.
The Englishman is not currently considered a £100 million player. He has the talent and potential to become one in the future, and the midfielder’s wide range of suitors are wary of that. A high-profile move seems inevitable for Wharton, even if it doesn’t happen this summer.
The deep-lying playmaker may have decided to stay at Palace for another year, but the door for a future move remains open, particularly if Tottenham can be in a strong financial and sporting position to challenge the European heavyweights for his signature next summer.