It’s one of those seasons at Selhurst Park where you look up from your programme and wonder about that slick new operator in midfield. Surely Adam Wharton didn’t arrive unnoticed from Blackburn Rovers back in February 2024, did he? Yet here we are, midway through the campaign, and this 21-year-old is quietly turning heads in south London. So much so, it feels like he might be wearing an invisibility cloak.
Wharton’s Impressive Transition
Since swapping Ewood Park for Crystal Palace, Wharton has already made 53 first-team appearances. His tally would be even higher if not for a couple of niggling injuries, but he has still managed to contribute three assists along the way. What has truly caught the eye this season is his creative spark.
Recent figures from Squawka show that Wharton has created five “big chances” in Europe’s top five leagues. Remarkably, only five players across the continent have performed better. He is currently level with Harry Kane for the most big openings created this season, making him the Premier League’s standout performer in this particular metric.
Key Moments and Challenges
The recent 2-1 loss at Everton marked Wharton’s unfortunate first booking of the season. It could be argued that it was a harsh decision for a player whose primary role is to unlock defenses rather than hack down opponents. Despite that setback, Crystal Palace is sitting comfortably in sixth place in the table. However, their position could have been even loftier without the slip at Goodison Park.
Manager Oliver Glasner has done an excellent job of honing Wharton’s attacking instincts, transforming him from a promising youngster into something resembling a midfield beast. Fortunately, he prefers nutmegs over pinging elbows.
Growing Interest from Top Clubs
As Wharton’s performances continue to impress, whispers are growing louder about interest from major clubs. Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham, and even Real Madrid appear to be keeping tabs on this rising star. With Wharton under contract until the summer of 2029, any potential suitor will need deep pockets to lure him away.
Crystal Palace is already bracing itself for departures. Marc Guehi looks set to move on either in January or when his contract expires next summer. Replacing his defensive contributions will be no small task for the club. If Wharton eventually makes a move, Selhurst Park might need a small army of scouts—or at least a very tall ladder—to fill the void left by one of their brightest recruits.
Conclusion
Adam Wharton’s journey at Crystal Palace is just beginning, and his potential is limitless. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he continues to develop into a key player in the Premier League and beyond. Let’s see what the rest of the season holds for this promising talent.