Real Madrid are bracing themselves for a potentially busy few days prior to the transfer window closing on Monday with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton firmly on their radar.
Madrid had not expected to be active over the remaining six days but Dani Ceballos’ desire to join Marseille – negotiations between the clubs have now started – means they may have a midfield vacancy to fill.
Ceballos is eager to move to the Stade Velodrome after becoming frustrated with his status as a second-choice at Madrid and believes first-team football would enhance his chances of a call-up to the Spain squad for next summer’s World Cup.
What could happen if Ceballos leaves?
If he does complete a move to France, it would leave Madrid a midfielder short.
Xabi Alonso likes to play with three energetic midfielders, enabling the likes of Vinicius Jr, Franco Mastantuono and Rodrygo to create from wide areas.
Currently they have Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, Arda Guler and Eduardo Camavinga on the books, as well as Jude Bellingham who is out of action until October as he continues his comeback from a shoulder operation.
Ceballos is happier playing in a defensive midfield role and that is the kind of player profile Madrid will target if Marseille meet Madrid’s asking price of €15M.
Palace star Wharton admired in Spanish capital
That brings Wharton into the equation. Madrid have been long-term admirers of the 21-year-old who continues to impress at Palace after joining from Blackburn 18 months ago.
The one-time England international would be Madrid’s first choice, according to newspaper AS, but the fee could prove a major stumbling block. Wharton is under contract at Selhurst Park until 2029 and the club have no need to let him go on the cheap due to PSR requirements.
It would therefore take a fee in the region of £80m for Palace to even contemplate letting him move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
That could prove beyond the 15-time European champions and force them to look elsewhere.
AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit is a cheaper option with the 19-year-old expected to cost around £25m.
Should Madrid opt to promote from within then Thiago Pitarch is the next cab off the rank. The youngster has been named in the squad for both of Madrid’s first two Liga games of the season – wins over Osasuna and Real Oviedo – and is highly rated by Alonso and Madrid Castilla boss Alvaro Arbeloa.
