Crystal Palace rejected bids for Adam Wharton during the summer transfer window, with Chelsea and Manchester City understood to be among the clubs interested in signing the England midfielder.
The offers came from unnamed sides, but the Guardian reported that both Chelsea and Manchester City had shown significant interest in the 22-year-old. Palace ultimately stood firm and kept hold of one of their most valuable players. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/04/pierre-sage-crystal-palace-transfer-window?utm_source=openai))
Manchester City made an approach for Wharton in August and were told that he was not for sale. The midfielder has three years remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park, strengthening Palace’s position in negotiations. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/21/crystal-palace-axel-disasi-loan-chelsea-manchester-city-adam-wharton-transfer-window-premier-league?utm_source=openai))
Adam Wharton remains at Crystal Palace
Palace manager Pierre Sage had already made clear that the club wanted Wharton to stay, arguing that another season in south London would benefit both the player and the team.
“The club was strong with the situation, and I think the player is completely in line with that,” Sage said, according to the Guardian, after Palace turned down interest in several key players. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/04/pierre-sage-crystal-palace-transfer-window?utm_source=openai))
Wharton has continued to play an important role for Palace at the start of the new campaign. He produced a finely weighted pass to create a major chance against Everton on the opening weekend, despite his side eventually suffering defeat. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/22/everton-crystal-palace-premier-league-match-report?utm_source=openai))
His decision to remain comes after a summer in which several Premier League clubs strengthened in midfield. City signed Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernández and Ayyoub Bouaddi, while Tottenham brought in Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has previously described Wharton as “outstanding”, underlining the regard in which the Palace player is held. Liverpool have also been linked with him, and further interest is likely if he maintains his progress.
Palace have sold several prominent players in recent seasons, including Eberechi Eze, Marc Guéhi, Maxence Lacroix and Michael Olise. Wharton’s continued presence therefore represents a significant success for the club, although his long-term future is likely to remain a subject of interest among leading European sides.
