Manchester United’s growing interest in Adam Wharton has sparked a strong reaction from former striker Louis Saha, who has described the club’s pursuit of the young midfielder as “a very dangerous move.”
Reports indicate that United are preparing an enormous £100 million offer for the 20-year-old Crystal Palace star ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window.
However, Saha and other observers have expressed deep concerns about the financial and sporting implications of such a massive investment in a player still at the early stages of his career.
In an interview with OLBG, Saha cautioned United to tread carefully, warning against the growing trend of overpaying for young talents who have yet to fully prove themselves at the top level.
“Adam Wharton is a very talented player, but he’s still young,” Saha said. “You have to be careful with big-money signings because the transfer market today is unpredictable.
Hype can inflate prices, and when a club pays an unrealistic amount, it often ends in disappointment if the player doesn’t live up to expectations.”
Wharton’s rise has indeed been meteoric. After moving from Blackburn Rovers to Crystal Palace in early 2024 for around £18 million, he quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s brightest young midfielders.
Known for his composure, precise passing, and intelligence in controlling the game’s tempo, Wharton has drawn comparisons to former United great Michael Carrick and Arsenal’s Declan Rice.
His influence has been key to Palace’s recent success, including their historic FA Cup victory and strong league performances that put them in contention for European qualification. Unsurprisingly, his displays have caught the attention of major clubs such as Liverpool and Real Madrid.
Despite the growing speculation, Crystal Palace are determined to hold onto their prized asset. Reports suggest that the club is preparing a new long-term contract to fend off potential suitors and reward Wharton’s progress.
The midfielder is already tied to a deal running until 2029, and insiders believe remaining at Selhurst Park — where he enjoys regular game time and the trust of his manager — is best for his continued development.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s recruitment team, led by sporting director Jason Wilcox and manager Ruben Amorim, sees Wharton as the ideal long-term solution for their midfield.
Following high-profile signings such as Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, the club wants to add a deep-lying playmaker capable of dictating tempo and offering control in tough matches.
However, Saha has urged caution, reminding United of the pitfalls of spending heavily on unproven players. “Look at Moisés Caicedo at Chelsea,” he explained. “It takes time for young players to adjust, no matter how much talent they have. Throwing huge sums at potential doesn’t guarantee success.”
Beyond the specifics of Wharton’s case, Saha’s comments shed light on the wider issue of inflation in football’s transfer market.
The idea of paying £100 million for a player with fewer than 100 senior appearances, he argued, shows how distorted valuations have become.
Such enormous fees often create unrealistic expectations and can put unnecessary pressure on young talents, sometimes stunting their progress instead of accelerating it.
For now, Crystal Palace remain calm amid the growing noise. The club believes Wharton’s focus and maturity will keep him grounded, even as Europe’s biggest clubs continue to monitor his progress closely.
Yet, if his strong form continues, a Premier League bidding war could soon emerge, with Manchester United, Liverpool, and Real Madrid all ready to test Palace’s resolve.
Ultimately, United’s pursuit of Adam Wharton represents both a significant opportunity and a major gamble. It could prove to be a bold step forward in the club’s new recruitment vision under Amorim and Wilcox or a costly reminder of the risks involved in chasing potential rather than proven consistency.
Either way, Wharton’s rapid rise ensures he remains one of the most exciting young prospects in English football, and his next move will be closely watched across Europe.
