Tottenham want to sign “incredible” midfielder, he’d cost record-breaking fee
The summer transfer window promises to test Tottenham’s ambition like never before as they prepare to shatter their transfer record for Crystal Palace midfield sensation Adam Wharton.
GIVEMESPORT sources reveal Spurs must be prepared to part with a staggering £100 million to secure the 21-year-old’s signature – a figure that would obliterate their current £65 million record spent on Dominic Solanke last August.
Wharton’s meteoric rise from Championship prospect to Premier League standout has captured the attention of Europe’s elite. Tottenham’s scouting department has monitored his progress closely since his January move from Blackburn Rovers, with the England U21 international defying expectations by immediately establishing himself as a linchpin in Oliver Glasner’s midfield.
His composure in possession and defensive intelligence have drawn comparisons to a young Declan Rice, with Palace teammate Eberechi Eze describing his impact as “incredible.”
Wharton’s 2023/24 Premier League Impact
- Pass Accuracy: 87% (Top 10% among PL midfielders)
- Tackles Won: 2.8 per 90 minutes
- Ground Duels Won: 4 vs Brighton (Last Match)
- Progressive Passes: 6.2 per 90
Tottenham’s interest comes at a precarious time financially. The club has already committed £20.9 million to make Kevin Danso’s loan permanent, while opting against exercising their option to retain Timo Werner.
This leaves Postecoglou and technical director Johan Lange scrambling to prioritize targets, with midfield reinforcements taking precedence.
However, Palace’s negotiating position couldn’t be stronger. With four years remaining on Wharton’s £35,000-per-week contract and no financial pressure to sell, chairman Steve Parish has adopted the same hardline stance that saw West Ham extract £105 million for Rice.
Sources indicate Palace would consider bids below their £100 million valuation “a non-starter,” especially with Real Madrid and all of England’s ‘Big Six’ monitoring the situation.
The competition for Wharton’s signature has created a domino effect across Tottenham’s transfer plans. Their pursuit of Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz appears increasingly futile, with the Cottagers preparing to issue a firm hands-off warning after the Brazilian’s breakout season.
This leaves Spurs facing the prospect of entering bidding wars for secondary targets like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo or Feyenoord’s Santiago Giménez.
Postecoglou’s rebuild faces critical challenges beyond just financial outlay. The Australian must convince prospective signings of Tottenham’s project amid uncertainty over European qualification and lingering questions about his own long-term future.
While Wharton’s skill set perfectly matches Spurs’ need for a progressive, defensively-aware midfielder, the club may need Champions League football to justify such an astronomical investment.
As the summer window approaches, Tottenham find themselves at a crossroads. Paying £100 million for Wharton would signal bold ambition but risk destabilizing their carefully managed wage structure.
Alternatively, missing out could see them lose ground to rivals in the race for England’s next generation of midfield talent. One thing is certain – in today’s inflated market, identifying the next Adam Wharton before he becomes a £100 million player has never been more crucial.