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Manchester United are expected to strengthen their midfield in 2026 after focusing mainly on attack this summer.
The Red Devils are laying down succession plans for Casemiro, whose contract expires at the end of this season. The Brazilian is now a shadow of his former self, and a replacement remains high on Ruben Amorim’s agenda next year.
The Premier League giants also looked at several midfielders this summer, including Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion, Angelo Stiller from VfB Stuttgart and Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace.
The trio are also likely to be on United’s wish list for 2026. However, the latest developments suggest that signing either of these deals could prove significantly difficult.
Crystal Palace wants Wharton to stay
According to The Daily MailPalace are keen to tie Wharton to a new deal to end speculation over his future. The Englishman is under contract until 2028 and has no plans to leave Selhurst Park.
The Eagles are likely to include a release clause in his deal, as was done with Eberechi Eze, who left for Arsenal this summer.
The report states: “Crystal Palace plans to offer Adam Wharton better terms and a possible release clause as Liverpool and Real Madrid continue to show interest in the midfielder.”
“Wharton is fortunate to remain at Palace, but he has two years left on his contract at the end of the season and talks over a new contract are expected. Palace have previously included a release clause in Eberechi Eze’s contract and will discuss whether we can do something similar in this case.”
The player reportedly He has a £75 million price tag on his head, but it is believed his release clause will exceed that amount.
Wharton has been excellent this season
Wharton has been a revelation since joining London from Blackburn Rovers in 2024 for £18 million. He is now Oliver Glasner’s principal orchestrator at Selhurst Park.
The 21-year-old struggled with injuries last season and only made 27 appearances in league games. However, he still managed to attract attention and helped Palace win the FA Cup in May.
There was a rush for his services over the summer, but the Englishman ended up staying at Selhurst Park. This season, Wharton has logged 10 appearances in competition for the Eagles, all starts.
He has been key to Palace’s rise this season, with Glasner’s side losing just one of their 12 games in competitions. United are understandably impressed with his efforts, but their pursuit of the England wizard will not be a walk in the park.
Wharton’s future could also influence Glasner’s next move. The Austrian manager’s contract at Selhurst Park expires next summer and he has already been linked to several clubs, including the Red Devils.
Tying the Englishman to a new contract could convince Glasner to sign a new deal.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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