Reports: Tottenham formally open discussions for Adam Wharton
Graham Bailey from TeamTalk was only 15 days behind RudolphN17 when it came to breaking the news that Spurs were going all in for the Crystal Palace man.
Spurs have had an active and serious interest in signing Palace midfielder Adam Wharton in the 2026 summer transfer window. Our midfield was frequently poor over the last two seasons, and so it makes sense for the club to identify the 22-year-old England international as one of their priority midfield targets.
He stands out on their shortlist, and they would ideally like to bring him to north London. This interest has heated up amid concerns over landing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, which, after a fair bit of fanfare, has gone a little quiet.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi reportedly admires Wharton’s composure, vision, and ability to fit a possession-based style, particularly following weak link departures such as Yves Bissouma.
Spurs are looking to be on the case and planning multiple midfield additions. We reportedly had early interest in Wharton during his Blackburn days but missed out when Palace signed him.
Recent windows have seen renewed links, but no formal bids materialised previously due to Palace’s stance and valuations.
Wharton is under contract until June 2029, giving Palace strong negotiating power. Reports suggest they could demand £75-100 million and more.
Would Tonali and Wharton work together?
Wharton often edges in progressive passing, line-breaking, and chance creation in certain systems. Tonali excels in defensive metrics, ball-winning, and physical intensity (more tackles, interceptions, aerial duels). Wharton shows high passing volume and vision but can be less dominant physically.
Both are excellent but have different profiles: Tonali is more dynamic/battle-tested, Wharton is more composed/progressive.
Tottenham can’t afford to do little or to do nothing.
If the brutal reality is we need to sacrifice one or both of Bergvall and Vuskovic to finance that double deal at this stage I'd jump at that.
Time to abandon 'jam tomorrow' and if that takes a few slightly painful sales of bit part 'might be good in four seasons' players then I'm in.
Wharton is only two years older than Bergvall but miles and miles ahead in experience. He's also English and we're light on English players. This could be our new Carrick.
Tonali would be RDZ's man and instant class.
Hopefully it won't come to selling these youngsters, but if the plan is to get in 8+ new first 11 ready top level experienced outfield players then looking at the names we've brought in already and those we're being linked with then I'm all in for that.
This is really exciting news if there is any truth in it.Is this finally a sign that the penny has dropped for the owners with the help of insistence by RDZ.Let’s hope this takes off.Wharton and Tonali in the same window now that will be a statement of intent.