Rumors About Manchester City had secured Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, supposedly dealing a huge Man Utd blow in the transfer race. But hold your horses. As of March 5, 2026, there’s no official word from any Tier 1 or Tier 2 sources confirming this “done deal.” It seems the rumor mill has spun a bit out of control, fueled mostly by speculative reports.
Adam Wharton, a 22-year-old defensive midfielder, is still very much a Crystal Palace player. His contract runs until 2029, as BBC Sport reported back in July 2025. There are no club announcements, no player statements, and the Premier League site shows no transfer registrations. It’s all just talk, apparently, for now.
The ‘Done Deal’ That Isn’t
Reports started flying on March 4, 2026, with some outlets like Football.London claiming a “done deal” for Wharton to City. They even threw out a £50m fee. TeamTalk followed, stating City had “won the race” and United were “stunned.” Goal.com chimed in too, talking about a five-year contract worth £80k/week.
But that’s the issue, isn’t it? These are Tier 3 and Tier 4 sources. The kind of places that often jump the gun. And they contradict what we’ve heard from more reliable outlets. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner even came out on March 3, 2026, telling BBC Sport that Wharton was “not for sale.” That dampens any “done deal” talk, doesn’t it?
And you know, Sky Sports only reported “scouting interest” from City, nothing more, on February 28. ESPN mentioned Palace rejecting £40m bids in January, but never named City or United. So, this whole “done deal” thing feels more like a whisper that got amplified into a shout on social media, with even Fabrizio Romano posting on X about “positive talks” but “nothing done yet.”
Wharton’s Reality at Selhurst Park
Adam Wharton is a good player. He’s 22, an England U21 international, and has been a mainstay for Palace since joining from Blackburn in January 2025 for £18m. He’s made 28 appearances this season, scored a goal. He’s got that progressive passing quality, too.
City and United have both been watching him for a while. United were linked first back in August 2024, post-Euros. City started showing interest in December 2024. So, the interest is real, that’s clear. But interest doesn’t equal a signed contract.
Palace values him high, apparently over £60m, according to The Athletic. And that’s a big obstacle. Wharton rejected Newcastle before moving to Palace, too. So he’s not just going to jump at the first offer.
Why the Rumor Mill Churns So Hard
Both Manchester clubs need midfielders. City wants a potential Rodri successor, especially with injuries cropping up. United’s midfield needs a serious rebuild, with Casemiro declining. So, Wharton fits a profile they both want.
But then you have the money side of things. United’s been a bit tight with Financial Fair Play (FFP) limits, especially post-Rashford sales, ESPN reported. City, though, seems more compliant after summer sales. That can play a part in who can actually make a move.
Gary Neville, talking on a Sky podcast, said Wharton would “fit City’s system better than United’s chaos.” And he might be right. Simon Stone from the BBC also suggested United have “shifted to cheaper targets” lately. So, maybe United’s interest did cool off, which could explain the “City beat rivals” angle, even if no deal is done.
The financial expert “Swiss Ramble” on The Athletic stated that a £50m move is feasible for City, but United risks a PSR breach. That’s a big factor, you know. It’s not just about wanting the player, it’s about having the cash and staying compliant. And clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool are also monitoring the situation. It’s a hot market for midfielders.
What Comes Next?
So, where does this leave us? The “huge Man Utd blow” headline was probably a bit premature, to say the least. Adam Wharton is still at Palace. There’s no sign of a medical or anything like that. If anything does happen, it’s more likely to be in the summer 2026 transfer window, not now.
Football transfers are a funny business. Lots of smoke, not always fire. For now, fans of both Manchester clubs, and Palace, should probably take these “done deal” reports with a massive pinch of salt. Until you hear it from the clubs themselves, or see Wharton holding up a new shirt, it’s just noise. And sometimes, that noise is just for clicks. We’ll have to keep an eye on Tier 1 and Tier 2 sources for any real updates.
