John Obi Mikel believes Manchester United could beat Chelsea to the signing of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton next summer.
The 22-year-old has quickly become one of the more highly rated young midfielders in the Premier League since joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers for £18 million in 2024.
Adam Wharton played an important role in Palace’s success under Oliver Glasner, with the club winning the FA Cup, Europa Conference League and Community Shield.
Obi Mikel backs United to sign Adam Wharton
Manchester United have already spent heavily on their midfield this year. Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba have all arrived at Old Trafford for a combined fee of more than £130 million. A further big name in midfield might not be an option but that spending has not stopped Obi Mikel from tipping United to make another move for Wharton.
“I love him! I love Adam Wharton, I’m a big, big fan,” Obi Mikel said on The Obi One Podcast.
“I think he’s going to go places, though, I think next season he will leave Crystal Palace.”
Obi Mikel expects Crystal Palace to keep hold of the midfielder for another year before allowing him to move on. And when that happens, he believes United will be his destination.
“I think they want to keep him for one more season and I see him going to Manchester United next season.”
Manchester United could face competition for Wharton’s signature, with Chelsea also expected to have an interest in the midfielder.
For now, though, Adam Wharton remains at Palace, while United have already made significant changes to their midfield. Obi Mikel expects INEOS to return to the market for the England midfielder next summer.
