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Real Madrid set to bid €60 million bid for Manchester United target with PL experience

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Sep 11, 2025 7:57 PM ET

Real Madrid are looking to make a bid for Manchester United target Adam Wharton

One of the club’s biggest needs in the summer window was a strong defensive midfielder. The team’s biggest weakness was in the midfield, where neither Casemiro was as strong as before nor was there any confidence in the future of Kobbie Mainoo.

Bringing in a top-quality holding player would not only provide security to the backline but also allow creative players like Bruno Fernandes to focus on attack. This absence of such a profile often led to losing the lead in matches and the opposition getting easy opportunities to counterattack.

Eye on Real Madrid and Adam Wharton:

Meanwhile, a report from Spain has created a headline. According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid are already preparing for the future and are looking at Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as a potential signing in the summer of 2026. Florentino Pérez is said to be willing to spend around €60 million for this deal. The report also suggested that the move could be part of a new chapter in Madrid’s transfer policy. Interestingly, Manchester United were keen to make a late summer move for Wharton, and that has made the race even more competitive.

Wharton’s chances at United and the transfer race:

The question now arises as to how well a player like the 21-year-old could suit our club. His playing style is such that he is comfortable on the ball, has the ability to break the lines with his passing and has a high work rate. These qualities are directly related to the team’s needs, given United’s current midfield problems. Both Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have failed to bring stability to Ruben Amorim’s system, and that highlights the need for a deep-lying midfielder like Wharton.

The race is tough here, though, as the involvement of a big team like Real Madrid means that this signing will not be easy for any other club. We had earlier reported that Madrid were keen to beat United in the race, and in such a situation, this deal could prove to be a drag for Old Trafford. On the other hand, Crystal Palace would not want to let go of their young English star so easily. Wharton’s contract is still valid till 2029, and the club has already rejected huge offers for him. This is the reason why his valuation could reach above £80 million, and some sources believe it to be a figure of £100 million.

If Ruben Amorim can bring Wharton to United, his tactical use will be very interesting. Amorim follows a 3-4-2-1 system in which the role of the midfield pivot is important. Wharton’s ability to pass and receive the ball without getting bogged down under pressure can strengthen United’s build-up play.

At the same time, the 21-year-old’s positioning will provide security to the defence and will prove to be important for starting the attack. Yes, there is still scope for improvement in his tackling and duelling, but Amorim can work on this aspect. If Wharton can excel in these areas, he could become a permanent pillar of United’s midfield in the years to come.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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