Adam Wharton's name is making waves again on the European football scene.
At just 21 years old, the English midfielder from Crystal Palace has become one of the Premier League's most sought-after talents.
His maturity, vision in the game and elegance with the ball have attracted the attention of many giants, but now the race seems to have narrowed down between Liverpool and Real Madrid.
Liverpool, who had shown interest in him months ago, have recently re-entered the race, convinced that Wharton would be the perfect part of a midfield revamp under Arne Slot.
According to the Daily Mail, the Reds want to strengthen the centre of the pitch with a player who combines technical quality and competitive character - and Wharton has both.
With over 2,000 minutes played this season, a passing accuracy of over 90%, and an ability to break through the opposition's lines, he is considered one of the most promising players in English football.
Sources close to the player say he is in no rush to leave Selhurst Park, where he is under contract until 2029.
However, interest from big clubs could derail Crystal Palace's plans, as the player's value has already exceeded 70 million euros.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid is closely following his development.
The "royal" club sees Wharton as a potential replacement for veteran midfielders like Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos in the coming years.
He fits perfectly with Florentino Pérez's new transfer strategy – young players with long-term potential and international perspective.
However, Real Madrid do not want to enter a bidding war unless the price remains within reasonable limits.
Wharton is no ordinary midfielder. Despite his age, he displays an extraordinary clarity and composure on the pitch – always available to pass, organise play, distribute the ball and control the tempo.
His ability to move between the lines and read the action makes him ideal for teams that rely on possession, but also for those that play with quick counterattacks.
Experts have compared him to Declan Rice for physical strength and Jude Bellingham for tactical maturity.
It is no coincidence that clubs like Manchester City or Bayern Munich are also interested in him, although at the moment Liverpool and Real Madrid are the main favorites.
The biggest obstacle remains Crystal Palace, who have no intention of losing their star.
The London club plans to offer him a pay rise and a more important role in the team, aware that the pressure from European giants will continue.
At Anfield, Wharton is seen as the natural successor to Thiago Alcântara or Wataru Endo, while at the Santiago Bernabéu he is seen as the perfect reinforcement for a midfield filled with talents such as Bellingham, Valverde and Tchouaméni.
However it ends, Adam Wharton's future looks set to be away from Palace – and very soon.
With his talent, maturity and potential, he is now at the center of a battle between two of the most powerful clubs in the world.
When this happens, the result is clear: European football is preparing to welcome the birth of a new star./Express newspaper/
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