The ongoing speculation surrounding Enzo Fernandez’s future at Chelsea has triggered inevitable talk about a potential replacement for him.
While Fernandez is not yet amongst this summer’s confirmed Premier League transfer deals, a move to Real Madrid looks increasingly likely to happen.
Fernandez has reportedly agreed to sign a five-year contract with the La Liga giants if they can persuade Chelsea to accept an offer.
New manager Xabi Alonso will be keen to fill the void if Fernandez leaves, and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is a viable option.
A £75 million fee could be enough to secure Wharton’s services, and Chelsea should pull out all the stops to get the deal over the line.
Alonso is the ideal mentor for Wharton
Alonso was reportedly interested in signing Wharton during his brief managerial stint at Madrid. It would be no surprise if he brought him to Chelsea.
- Zimbabwe’s economic problems are largely self-inflicted
- Youths off to Malawi for health expo
- Inside Sport: Local stadiums in urgent need of attention
- Interview: Ranganawa shoots way into limelight
Keep Reading
The thought of the 22-year-old honing his craft under one of the best midfielders of his generation is undoubtedly an intriguing proposition for the Blues.
Wharton bears plenty of similarities to former Manchester United star Michael Carrick, both in terms of his skillset and the manner in which he is criminally underrated.
His omission from the England squad for the 2026 World Cup was one of the most baffling decisions ever made by a national team manager.
The fact he was overlooked in favour of veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson triggered a understandable meltdown amongst England fans.
While Wharton did not create a fuss, his absence from the squad will have hurt him. That factor could ultimately work to Chelsea’s advantage.
With a point to prove and Alonso to guide him, Wharton would have the ideal motivation to demonstrate why Thomas Tuchel should have picked him.
Chelsea must focus on what he can do, rather than what he can’t
Wharton attracted plenty of attention when he was a teenager at Blackburn Rovers, but scouts decided that his laid-back style wasn’t for them.
However, as has happened with many other playmaking geniuses, they had made the mistake of focusing on what he can’t do rather on what he brings to the table.
Wharton is a true footballer – one who sees passes that other players simply cannot comprehend. Former Rovers manager Tony Mowbray’s comments speak volumes about his ability.
"I had him when he was 15, 16, a baby really," Mowbray said. "We would bring him up to help with the numbers. We'd send for Adam because he'd never give the ball away - he wouldn't spoil the session.
"Even when he was skinny, no real mobility, not very strong, but every time he touched the ball, he found his teammate. He'd protect it with his body, he could see a pass and he never gave the ball away.
"I like to play young players and he was amazing. What a talent, he played with his head up. He was an artist. He could play for anyone - a wonderful kid. He didn't have a huge impact for me because he was so young, but you could see it.
"I'm not sure he'd lose the ball once in 90 minutes during small-sided games. He was a genius with the ball."
If Fernandez joins Madrid this summer despite Alonso’s wishes to keep him, spending a significant part of the fee to sign Wharton makes perfect sense for Chelsea.
Adding his guile alongside Moises Caicedo would give the Blues the sprinkle of stardust their midfield has been missing. At £75m, he is a bargain.
