Palace dig in as Wharton seeks release clause with Liverpool and Man United on alert

Crystal Palace know exactly what they’ve got in Adam Wharton — a metronome with bite, a modern midfielder who hardly wastes a touch — and they’re acting accordingly. A new deal is on the table for the England international, but here’s the twist: according to journalist Alan Nixon, Wharton wants a fixed-fee release clause baked in. In today’s market, that’s less a curveball and more a smart insurance policy for a player destined for Champions League nights.

Palace’s position: protect the crown jewel

Palace have already felt the sting of the market, waving goodbye to Eberechi Eze in the summer and facing uncertainty over Marc Guehi as his deal winds down towards 2026. Wharton has become the heartbeat at Selhurst Park, and losing him without a plan would be asking for trouble. The Eagles want to reward and retain — but they also know the food chain in football is ruthless.

The clause at the heart of it

Nixon’s line is clear: Palace have made their offer, Wharton is keen to commit, but only if there’s a clear exit route via a release clause. We’ve seen this movie before in SE25 — chairman Steve Parish sanctioned similar mechanics with Eze to secure a premium fee on departure. The suggested figure this time? Somewhere between £70m and £75m, a number that would let Palace reinvest without blinking while giving elite clubs a clean trigger to pull.

Big beasts circle — Liverpool leading, United lurking

Liverpool and Manchester United are both on the scent. The Reds, with Arne Slot still calibrating his midfield and reportedly eyeing 2026 for a serious refresh, are said to be leading the queue and prepared to bide their time until next summer. United’s need for control and composure between the lines isn’t exactly a secret, and Wharton ticks those boxes with a big, bold marker pen. Add reported admirers Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to the cast list and you’ve got a proper bidding battle waiting to happen.

What a £70–75m buyout would mean

For the player, it’s clarity: stay, play, develop — and if the right project calls, there’s a fair price to make it happen. For Palace, it’s protection against the lowballers and a timeline they can plan around. And for the suitors, it’s simple maths: pay the number or jog on. Wharton, described as “phenomenal” by HLTCO, looks tailor-made for the top tier; the only question is when, not if.

The pundit’s verdict

If I’m Palace, I sign this off with conditions — a clause north of £70m, sensible performance add-ons, and no funny business with rival-only triggers. If I’m Liverpool or United, I’m doing the groundwork now because once this clause is public, hesitation will cost you the player. One thing’s certain: Selhurst Park will enjoy him a little longer, and when the time comes, they’ll want the kitty properly topped up.

For those following the transfer market and weighing up the latest odds, check our guide to best betting sites. Moves like Wharton’s can shift the market quickly — staying informed keeps you ahead of the curve.