Former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Adam Wharton has emerged as a transfer target for Premier League champions Manchester City, according to the Evening Standard.
The 20-year-old rose through the ranks at Ewood Park, eventually breaking into the first team setup under Jon Dahl Tomasson. By the end of the 2022/23 campaign, he had earned himself a regular starting berth, which continued into this season.
It soon became apparent that his future lied in the Premier League. Crystal Palace were the ones that won the race, sealing an £18 million transfer in February.
Since then, Wharton’s rise has been astronomical. He became a regular in the Eagles’ midfield during the second half of the season, which earned him a shock call-up to the England squad for the upcoming European Championships.
It’s this form which has already seen him catch the eye of German giants Bayern Munich. Reported surfaced last month that a stunning £60 million bid could be launched during the summer, with the Bavarians having kept a close eye on his development throughout the course of the past 12 months.
It now appears as if Bayern are not alone. It is claimed that Manchester City also view the youngster as a potential signing, although they are not expected to make a move during the summer transfer window. Instead, they view the player as a ‘long-term succession plan’ for their current crop.
Manager Pep Guardiola could be forced to upgrade his options in the centre of the park as Kalvin Phillips makes his expected exit. Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne has hinted that he may be tempted by a big-money move to Saudi Arabia at the end of his contract next year.
Wharton’s contract at Selhurst Park is set to run until 2029. Blackburn also possess a 10-15% sell-on clause, which could see them land a significant windfall in the coming years.
Writer’s View
This is a situation which Blackburn will be watching very closely. Having already secured a hefty sum for his transfer in February, any additional income would be welcome as they look for a more comfortable Championship campaign next season.
Wharton was one of their prized assets and they did well to secure the sum they did this year. It was smart business to insert a sell-on clause into the deal. The England international has the world at his feet and it seems only a matter of time until he finds himself at one of the big clubs across the continent. Palace’s excellent decision to tie him down to a long-term contract means that any fee is likely to be a big one.
Head of Writing
