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United, Liverpool Compete for Palace Midfielder Adam Wharton

5/8/2026

35 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Manchester United are pursuing Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton this summer.
Liverpool have also begun negotiations to secure Wharton’s transfer to Anfield.
Wharton, 22, recorded seven assists in 46 appearances for Palace after joining from Blackburn Rovers in 2024.
United are monitoring Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, whose contract runs to 2029, and have also been linked with midfielder Tonali and midfielder Tchouameni.

History

Historical Context

After Leeds United sold Rio Ferdinand to Manchester United for £29.3 million in July 2002—a British record that followed his 2000 £18 million move to Leeds—United secured a defender who helped them win the 2002-03 Premier League. The deal sparked a wave of ever-higher fees, reshaping Premier League clubs’ spending on elite and youth talent.

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Story summary

Manchester United are pursuing Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton this summer.
Liverpool have also begun negotiations to secure Wharton’s transfer to Anfield.
Wharton, 22, recorded seven assists in 46 appearances for Palace after joining from Blackburn Rovers in 2024.
United are monitoring Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, whose contract runs to 2029, and have also been linked with midfielder Tonali and midfielder Tchouameni.

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