Adam Wharton heads into 2025 as one of the most valuable commodities possessed by Crystal Palace.
The magnificent 21-year-old has been among the best performers at Selhurst Park since his £22m move last January from Blackburn Rovers.
However, this season is a different story to his 2023/24 performances as he has been hindered by an injury which has required surgery in recent weeks – while he is recovering well at the moment.
Palace’s No.20 has taken injections to get through games this season, but despite this, he has still pulled out some standout performances and his return is eagerly anticipated.
But now, Crystal Palace are reportedly accepting one fact about the midfielder heading into the new year.
Crystal Palace coming to a realisation about Adam Wharton
After the season Wharton had during 2023/24, it was always clear that his career would quite quickly outgrow Selhurst Park, with his Euro 2024 inclusion the cherry on the cake.
However, with Arsenal reportedly in talks to sign Wharton in January, now it is suggested that Palace have come to a realisation.
According to the Daily Mail, there is an apparent recognition that Wharton’s days at the club are numbered.
It is claimed that Wharton is expected to leave for a top club in one of the next four transfer windows.
This of course is dependent on his career trajectory and whether he continues to shine following his return from injury.
Wharton replacement could be Oliver Glasner compatriot
Selling a player of Wharton’s quality would leave the Eagles in desperate need of midfield reinforcements and there are several exciting options currently who could tempt Dougie Freedman.
READ MORE: Who is Dougie Freedman? The Crystal Palace Sporting Director linked with Manchester United switch
One option resides in the Championship and plays for Coventry. Ben Sheaf is a very talented footballer and can do it all in midfield, as he demonstrated against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final last season.
Sheaf however would be more of a defensive option in the midfield. Alternatively, a more offensive option may be Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney who is excellent in possession and would thrive if the Eagles were a proactive team.
However, the best option of all may be RB Leipzig’s Austrian Nicolas Seiwald who is an all-round midfielder and also an option which is closest to Wharton in terms of ability. This would be a compatriot signed for Glasner, but he would cost quite a bit.
It is important that if Wharton goes, the Eagles are not poor in replacing him as we saw following Michael Olise’s exit.
