Manchester United are facing a fresh transfer headache, and it’s all because of Liverpool.
United have been busy in the summer market. They brought in three new attackers: Benjamin Sesko to lead the line, plus Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to strengthen the team. With their forward line rebuilt, the focus has now shifted to midfield.
One of their main targets has been Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. The 21-year-old defensive midfielder has impressed in the Premier League since joining from Lille two years ago. But Brighton’s asking price is huge: reportedly more than £100 million.
Because of that, United have been looking at a cheaper alternative: Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton. The 21-year-old joined Palace from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024 and quickly became a fan favourite. Unfortunately, injuries last season limited him to just 20 league games.
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Wharton’s defensive skills and calm passing make him a perfect fit for manager Ruben Amorim’s plans. However, United’s hopes of signing him might depend on what happens to two of Palace’s other stars: Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze.
Guehi, 25, is one of the best young centre-backs in England. He’s in the final year of his contract, and Liverpool have been trying to sign him for £35m. Palace want £40m, and the two clubs have so far been far apart in valuation.
But there’s a new twist. According to The Sun, Palace are interested in Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, and he’s valued at exactly the same price as Guehi. This opens the door to a possible swap deal.
If that happens, it could mess up Manchester United’s plan. Why? Because Palace might decide to keep Wharton if they lose Guehi to Liverpool.
Earlier this summer, there was hope that Guehi would stay at Selhurst Park for another year. That would have made Palace more willing to negotiate for Wharton. But now, with the swap deal on the table, the situation has changed completely.
Palace chairman Steve Parish has already hinted that big transfers could happen. After Palace’s Community Shield win last weekend, he said:
“Players come and go in football clubs, you know. It’s a life cycle, isn’t it? Hopefully, they’re still here. That’s what I’d like, but we’ll see.”
And it’s not just Guehi who might leave. Eberechi Eze has attracted serious interest from Arsenal and Tottenham. He has a release clause of £68m, but it reportedly expires on Friday. Palace see Elliott as a possible replacement for Eze if he departs.
If Palace only sell one of Guehi or Eze, they might still consider bids for Wharton. But if both leave, the club will have plenty of money and a stronger reason to keep Wharton.
Wharton’s rise has been rapid. Since his move from Blackburn, he has shown maturity beyond his years. His positional sense, tackling ability, and vision make him one of the most promising young midfielders in England.
Meanwhile, Baleba’s situation at Brighton remains unclear. Manager Fabian Hurzeler recently reassured fans that the midfielder is staying.
“He trained today, he trained yesterday,” Hurzeler said. “We don’t want to take any risks, but he will be back.”
Baleba missed a friendly against Wolfsburg due to a minor knee issue, but Brighton insist it’s nothing serious.
For United, the clock is ticking. Ruben Amorim used Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, and Kobbie Mainoo in midfield last season. Adding either Baleba or Wharton would give the squad more depth and energy for the new campaign.
But Liverpool’s unexpected involvement in this transfer chain could derail everything. The Reds are targeting Guehi to strengthen their defence for Arne Slot’s first season in charge, and a swap with Elliott could make it happen faster.
If that deal goes through, Palace will be less likely to part ways with Wharton, leaving United with a tough choice: pay Brighton’s huge price for Baleba, or start looking for yet another midfielder before the transfer window closes.
One thing is certain: the battle between Liverpool and Manchester United isn’t just on the pitch this season. It’s already happening in the transfer market, and the next move could decide everything.
