Transfer Rumours: Real Madrid Lead Race for Wharton as Premier League Clubs Circle
The January 2026 transfer window is heating up with a flurry of speculation, as clubs across Europe jostle for position in the market. At the heart of today's gossip is Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, whose future is drawing significant attention from some of football's biggest names.
Wharton Attracts European Heavyweights
Crystal Palace have reportedly placed a starting price tag of £65 million on Adam Wharton, with the club open to a sale at the season's end. The 21-year-old's performances have not gone unnoticed, sparking a bidding war among elite clubs. Real Madrid are said to be leading the race for his signature, but they face stiff competition from a queue of Premier League suitors including Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United. Wharton, known for his trusty left foot and composed play, has become a key figure at Selhurst Park, making this potential transfer one of the most talked-about sagas of the window.
Premier League Transfer Tussles
Elsewhere in England, the transfer rumour mill is in full swing. Nottingham Forest maintain a keen interest in Liverpool's left-back Kostas Tsimikas, who is currently on loan at Roma. Despite the arrival of Milos Kerkez at Anfield, which has pushed Tsimikas further down the pecking order behind Andy Robertson, Forest's pursuit persists. Roma are willing to end his loan early if they can secure a replacement, given his limited Serie A starts under Gian Piero Gasperini's wing-back system.
In the North East, Sunderland are holding firm on Noah Sadiki, the 21-year-old DR Congo midfielder. Manchester United have expressed admiration and even considered a player-plus-cash deal involving Manuel Ugarte, but Sunderland have rebuffed any advances. Since his £15 million move from Union Saint-Gilloise, Sadiki's value has reportedly doubled, and he has started every Premier League match under Régis Le Bris, barring those missed during the Africa Cup of Nations.
Injury Woes and Squad Reinforcements
Aston Villa face a potential setback with Boubacar Kamara's injury, sustained in their FA Cup win against Tottenham Hotspur. The club fears he could miss the remainder of the season, prompting manager Unai Emery to seek reinforcements. With Villa sitting third in the Premier League and eyeing a title challenge, replacing Kamara's pivotal role is crucial. Ruben Loftus-Cheek has emerged as a possible target to fill the void.
European Moves and Contract Talks
On the continent, Napoli are scouting for width under Antonio Conte, with Real Betis winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli on their radar. The 24-year-old Moroccan international, praised for his close control and potential, joins a shortlist that includes Raheem Sterling and Daniel Maldini.
At West Ham United, James Ward-Prowse appears headed for an exit after falling out of favour under Nuno Espírito Santo, having not played since September. A permanent transfer seems unlikely due to limited Premier League interest and Championship budget constraints, making a loan move the most feasible option. Burnley are monitoring the situation, valuing the 31-year-old's set-piece prowess in an era where dead-ball situations are increasingly decisive.
Veteran Stars and Loyalty Pledges
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, 37, is weighing his options as his contract expires this summer. With 112 goals in 170 games for the club, he has "very concrete" offers from Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League, hinting at a possible move away from European football.
In Madrid, Vinícius Júnior has sought to quash transfer rumours by reaffirming his commitment to Real Madrid. With a year left on his contract, the Brazilian insisted there is "no hurry" to renew, citing a harmonious relationship with president Florentino Pérez. This comes after he reportedly showed little interest in extending his deal during Xabi Alonso's tenure.
Celtic Hold Firm on Key Asset
Finally, Celtic are set to retain Arne Engels despite interest from RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. The 22-year-old Belgian midfielder, who joined from Augsburg in 2024 for a club-record £11 million fee, is content under returning manager Martin O'Neill and focused on helping Celtic defend their Scottish Premiership title.
As the transfer window progresses, these rumours highlight the strategic moves clubs are making to strengthen their squads, with Adam Wharton's situation taking centre stage in a drama-filled market.
