Real Madrid has reportedly set its sights on Crystal Palace’s 21-year-old midfielder Adam Wharton, following recommendations from the club’s English star Jude Bellingham. According to Sport.es citing the Daily Mail, Bellingham is confident that Wharton’s style of play would fit seamlessly into the system that head coach Xabi Alonso aims to implement at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Bellingham, himself an integral part of Real Madrid’s midfield, reportedly sees Wharton as a younger version of Toni Kroos, the former German maestro whose composure, passing range, and tactical intelligence defined the club’s midfield for years. “He would fit perfectly with the style Alonso wants to instill,” Bellingham is said to have remarked, underlining his strong belief in Wharton’s potential. For Real Madrid, the acquisition of Wharton would represent both a tactical and strategic move. As the club continues to evolve under Alonso, securing a midfielder with Kroos-like qualities—someone capable of controlling the tempo, distributing effectively, and maintaining positional discipline—could strengthen the squad’s core for years to come.
Wharton has gained attention for his precise passing, vision, and ability to dictate the rhythm of play—traits that have drawn comparisons with Toni Kroos. Observers note his calmness under pressure, capacity to switch play efficiently, and intelligence in reading the game, making him a rare talent among young English midfielders. Crystal Palace fans have already witnessed Wharton’s influence on matches, as he consistently contributes both defensively and offensively, combining a work-rate reminiscent of Premier League midfielders with the composure often seen in top-tier European playmakers. His ability to maintain possession and make key passes from midfield has led analysts to liken him to Kroos, suggesting that his transition to La Liga could be smoother than most English talents abroad.
Bellingham’s endorsement adds weight to Wharton’s growing reputation. Having played alongside some of the best midfielders in Europe, Bellingham’s insight into who would thrive at Real Madrid provides the club with an informed recommendation rather than a speculative target.Xabi Alonso, appointed as Real Madrid’s head coach, has emphasized building a midfield that can control games through intelligence, technical ability, and tactical awareness. Under his system, midfielders are required not only to defend and attack but also to orchestrate the tempo and transitions of the team.
Wharton’s profile aligns well with this philosophy. His ability to receive pressure, maintain composure, and distribute quickly allows his team to dominate possession and execute tactical plans effectively. Real Madrid’s scouts reportedly see him as a perfect candidate to reinforce the midfield, particularly in the post-Kroos era, providing a blend of technical skill, vision, and adaptability that can complement Bellingham and other senior players.
Moreover, Wharton’s relatively young age (21) ensures a long-term investment. Integrating him into the squad now could mean a decade of growth, development, and influence, establishing him as a future cornerstone of Real Madrid’s midfield while maintaining continuity and tactical stability.
Should Real Madrid sign Adam Wharton, the expectations would be high. The club and fans would likely anticipate him stepping into a pivotal role, contributing both to ball progression and game management, while adapting to the pace and intensity of La Liga. His reputation as the “English Kroos” adds both pressure and excitement, as comparisons to one of the club’s greatest midfielders naturally set lofty expectations.
Bellingham’s public recommendation also highlights the importance of player influence in transfer decisions. When a current squad member advocates for a signing, it signals confidence in the player’s ability to integrate seamlessly, potentially accelerating adaptation and cohesion within the team. This endorsement suggests that Wharton could not only meet but exceed expectations, bringing a fresh dynamic to Real Madrid’s midfield structure.
