Real Madrid is finally looking to sign a new midfielder this summer, two years after Toni Kroos’ retirement in 2024. Club officials are ready to act but are still deliberating on their target.
Players like Vitinha, Rodri Hernandez, and Kees Smit are on Real Madrid’s radar, as is Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton. The 22-year-old has been scouted for over a year, and a move is becoming increasingly likely as he is expected to leave the Premier League club in 2026.
Wharton aligns perfectly with Real Madrid’s transfer strategy of focusing on younger talent. However, even if he becomes their primary target, securing his signature is not guaranteed. Liverpool poses a significant challenge, aiming to keep him in English football and currently holding the favored position to sign him, according to Marca (via CaughtOffside).
Liverpool is said to be in “advanced contacts” with Wharton’s representatives, hoping to agree on personal terms before the summer transfer window opens. This would position them favorably to finalize a deal with Crystal Palace, potentially leaving Real Madrid behind.
Real Madrid must decide soon
Real Madrid cannot afford to delay in identifying their top midfield target. Whichever player they pursue, there’s a risk of being outmaneuvered if a decision is postponed too long. Given that Alvaro Arbeloa’s team has little left to play for this season, club management can afford to focus on summer prospects.
The transfer market will certainly be interesting to observe as Real Madrid makes its choice. Wharton is currently one of their options, but it remains to be seen if he will still be a target by the summer.
English Translation
Real Madrid is set to finally sign a new midfielder this summer, two years after Toni Kroos retired in 2024. Club bosses are ready to make their move, but currently, they are still deciding who to target.
The likes of Vitinha, Rodri Hernandez, and Kees Smit are all on Real Madrid’s radar, and the same can be said for Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton. The 22-year-old has been watched for over 12 months, and now could be the time that they make their move, considering it’s increasingly likely that he leaves the Premier League club in 2026.
Wharton perfectly fits Real Madrid’s transfer policy of targeting younger players, but even if he is the one they go for, it’s not certain that they will secure his signature. The main problem could be Liverpool, who want to keep him in English football – and currently, they are favourites to get him, according to Marca (via CaughtOffside).
Liverpool are said to be in “advanced contacts” with Wharton’s representatives, and their hope is to reach an agreement on personal terms before the summer transfer window opens. That would leave them well-placed to seal a deal with Crystal Palace, and in the process, leave Real Madrid in the dust.
Real Madrid must make their decision soon
Real Madrid cannot afford to wait too long to identify their leading target. Whoever they go for, there is a risk of being left behind if the call is made too far into the future, and given there’s very little for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side to play for between now and the end of the season, club bosses can afford to look ahead to the summer.
It will certainly be interesting to see who Real Madrid go for. Wharton is one of their options for now, but whether he still is come the summer remains to be seen.