Manchester City’s search for fresh midfield reinforcements has hit an early stumbling block, after Crystal Palace made clear that England international Adam Wharton is not for sale this summer.
City, now under the guidance of new head coach Enzo Maresca, have been on the hunt for a holding midfielder following a summer of significant departures from the Etihad Stadium engine room.
According to a report by David Ornstein and Sam Lee for The Athletic, City “made enquiries” to Crystal Palace over a potential deal for the 22-year-old, only for the Eagles to respond that Wharton is “not for sale” in the current window.
It is understood City are not alone in their admiration. The south London club have already fielded interest from other Premier League heavyweights this summer, but have been resolute in their stance that they intend to keep hold of one of their prized assets heading into the new season.
Sage delivers firm response amid transfer talk
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has addressed the growing speculation surrounding his midfielder directly, making it clear the club has no intention of sanctioning a sale despite City’s interest.
“We did it [sold big players in the past], and now I think is not the moment to do that. He is able to play in another club, a big club. Here, or anywhere in Europe, but I think one year with us, in a new dynamic, will be good for him. And we need him – that is why I think he will stay with us,” Sage said.
The comments will come as a blow to Maresca, who has been tasked with rebuilding a City midfield stripped of several long-serving names in recent weeks.
Rodri has completed a move to Barcelona, while Bernardo Silva departed as a free agent and Tijjani Reijnders left for the Saudi Pro League.
City have also been forced to contend with uncertainty over Nico Gonzalez, who has been linked with a move to Newcastle United as the Magpies push to open negotiations for the Argentine.
Wharton’s rapid rise since Palace switch
Wharton has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most sought-after young midfielders since arriving at Selhurst Park from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024.
He wasted little time adapting to the top flight, a rise that has since earned him a place in the senior England set-up.
The 22-year-old was also central to Palace’s historic run to silverware last season, ending the club’s long wait for a major trophy, before helping sustain that form into the following campaign.
He has made close to 100 appearances for the club, contributing one goal and 12 assists along the way — numbers that undersell his growing influence in midfield.
That progress has not gone unnoticed elsewhere. Several leading clubs across the Premier League have registered interest in Wharton this summer, with City among the clubs weighing up a move for the England man as part of Maresca’s midfield rebuild.
What next for Maresca’s rebuild?
On paper, City’s interest makes obvious sense. Elliot Anderson has already arrived from Nottingham Forest, and teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi is expected to follow him through the door before the window closes.
Maresca is understood to want at least one more addition to fill the gaps left by this summer’s exits. Wharton’s blend of composure in possession and defensive discipline made him an attractive target.
With Palace refusing to entertain offers, however, City will have to turn their attention elsewhere if they are to complete their midfield rebuild before the deadline.
Time is not on their side, and Maresca will be conscious of the need to strengthen his options before the Premier League season gathers pace.
For now, Wharton’s immediate future appears settled — at Selhurst Park, under Sage, for at least one more season.
