Real Madrid has identified Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as its primary target to reinforce the squad under José Mourinho, though the English club has placed a valuation exceeding €100 million on the 22-year-old international, according to reports.
Adam Wharton Emerges as the Primary Target
Real Madrid is actively planning its next major midfield acquisition to strengthen the squad under José Mourinho. According to reports, Adam Wharton has jumped to the top of the club’s shortlist. The 22-year-old England international has drawn strong interest from Spanish scouts who admire his technical profile and long-term potential following his performances in the Premier League.
However, extracting Wharton from Selhurst Park presents a significant financial obstacle. Under contract with Crystal Palace through June 2029, the midfielder carries a valuation upwards of €100 million. That steep asking price threatens to complicate the Spanish club’s pursuit as decision-makers weigh whether to commit a nine-figure sum to the position.
Real Madrid have identified Adam Wharton as their preferred midfield target as they assess several options. Crystal Palace want more than €100M for Wharton, while Kees Smit, Manu Kone and Alex Scott are also under consideration. Martin Zubimendi is another option being… pic.twitter.com/MkXh0bfg4L
Alternative Midfield Profiles Under Consideration
Faced with the high cost of securing Wharton, the Real Madrid front office is evaluating several alternative targets to bolster the squad. Among them is Manu Koné, who currently plays for AS Roma after previously featuring for Toulouse. The French midfielder will have a direct platform to showcase his abilities when the Giallorossi host Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, offering Mourinho and his scouting staff a close-up look at his capabilities in a high-stakes European fixture.
The scouting list also extends to younger talent across Europe. Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar has drawn attention from Madrid’s talent evaluators. Meanwhile, Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott—who has also attracted interest from AC Milan, Arsenal, and Chelsea—features prominently on the club’s radar.
Internal Discussions and Valuation Hurdles
Other names continue to circulate within the club’s internal discussions, including Martin Zubimendi. The Spanish international currently serves as a substitute at Arsenal, placing him among the alternative profiles debated by club officials. Yet, inclusion in internal dialogues does not indicate that Real Madrid is preparing an immediate formal bid for the player.
For the moment, Wharton retains his status as the preferred option among club leadership. Even so, the combination of Crystal Palace’s €100 million valuation and a robust group of alternative targets leaves open the possibility that Madrid could pivot. Koné’s performance in the upcoming Champions League encounter stands to provide the sporting department with vital empirical evidence as they shape their winter and summer recruitment strategies.
