Real Madrid Establish Premier League Star as Key Midfield Target

It is very clear to anybody who has watched Real Madrid in the last couple of years that the team desperately needs reinforcements in the midfield area.

There is a reason why Spain midfielder Rodri was targeted during the summer transfer window. Yet, when he ended up joining rivals FC Barcelona, an alternative was not signed. Although Bernardo Silva was signed on a free transfer, it is clear he is not a medium nor long term solution.

Fortunately, recent talk in the media has suggested that a midfielder will be a priority next summer (we know Florentino Perez refuses to make signings in the winter). Fabrizio Romano has stated that the club are “working strongly” on midfielders in 2027, and want to sign “at least” one.

He did not mention specific names, but DefensaCentral (via TransferNewsLive) are reporting that Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has been identified as the preferred target in that area.

They also name drop Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar, Manu Kone of AS Roma, Alex Scott of AFC Bournemouth and Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal as other options for the midfield.

Interesting. The club have already signed Englishmen Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold in recent years. Those two would certainly make it easier for Wharton to settle in in the Spanish capital.

Like with Alexander-Arnold, the 22-year old was controversially snubbed by Thomas Tuchel for England’s World Cup squad, with many fans saying that the creativity of both players was dearly missed. Unlike the Real Madrid right-back, Wharton was not reintroduced for the UEFA Nations League games that recently took place.

But there is no doubting his quality. He has an elite passing range and is generally a pass first midfielder, something that Los Blancos currently do not have. He has created three big chances in the league so far this season, and his tally of 14 last season was the sixth best in the Premier League.

The Blackburn Rovers academy graduate has physical limitations and covering large spaces can sometimes be an issue, but that’s why Real Madrid are the perfect fit - because he would have the likes of Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga covering for him.

Certainly one to keep an eye on moving forwards. Clearly a very, very talented footballer and it would be pretty cool to see yet another English player in the Los Blancos side. Let's wait and see what happens.