Managing Crystal Palace – Adam Wharton sold to Man Utd as Guehi denied Liverpool again

Oliver Glasner is at the helm of a new era of success for Crystal Palace in the modern era. However, the Austrian's mission is far from over as he seeks to build on last season's FA Cup triumph and a dream comeback to European football.

The actions taken by Palace in the upcoming months could significantly shape the club's future for many years to come. But not all decisions will be straightforward, especially if it involves saying goodbye to players who have become fan favourites.

One such player who might be up for grabs is Adam Wharton, who has attracted attention amid rumours of interest from Manchester United. And football.london explores how selling the England playmaker could be a stepping stone towards prolonged prosperity at Palace.

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Adam Wharton sale agreed

No one at Selhurst Park will relish the thought of parting with an asset as valuable as United target Wharton. Signed from Blackburn in February 2024 for a relatively modest £18million fee, the 21-year-old has swiftly adapted to Premier League standards and become a shining light in Glasner's squad.

However, Palace still belong to that middle tier of Premier League clubs who need to sell when substantial offers come their way in order to keep flourishing. As Brighton's model has demonstrated, there is potential to lose such an asset in the short term and use those funds to improve the club in the long run, provided there are ready-made replacements on standby.

The likes of Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have proved there's life to be had after such significant departures. Despite Glasner's efforts to keep Eze from Arsenal's grasp this summer, for example, replacement Yeremy Pino is already carving out his own success story in south London.

Should Wharton decide to move on, Palace already has a potential successor in Northern Ireland international Justin Devenny, who has shown promise of becoming a midfield sensation. Additionally, the club's recruitment team will undoubtedly have their own thoughts on potential signings who could fill the same role.

Whispers are already circulating that Wharton could command at least triple his transfer fee, even before any sale negotiations have begun. Considering his age and the fact his contract doesn't run out until 2029, there's plenty of reason to believe the final fee could be significantly higher.

Palace chairman Steve Parish has already hinted at Wharton's ambitions to play Champions League football. It's fortunate his potential has become apparent so early after his move, giving the Eagles ample time to strategise before his contract becomes a concern.

However, it seems inevitable Palace will eventually have to contemplate a high-profile sale. And given it appears easier to replace Wharton in midfield than other key players, it might be wiser to make the break sooner rather than later.

New contracts for Guehi and Mateta

Two of the key players who would arguably be more difficult to replace are Marc Guehi and Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Eagles have hit the jackpot with this pair, not only due to their abilities but also their character and rapport with the supporters.

Should Wharton be sold, it could potentially free up the necessary funds to reward two of the most crucial players at Selhurst Park. It's well known Guehi's current contract is set to expire next summer, while Mateta's deal - signed in December 2024 - is due to run until 2027.

It's rare for a club like Palace to find such a potent defender-striker combination, and it should be a top priority to keep them for at least another few seasons. Or in Guehi's case, to secure a larger fee if it becomes unfeasible to retain him.

Guehi, 25, demonstrated his professionalism last summer by leading the team to FA Cup glory and their first major title. Despite rumours of a move to Liverpool, the England centre-back continued to train and play as usual until a last-minute move to Anfield fell through on deadline day.

It's widely assumed he will join one of Europe's top clubs in 2026. This could happen in January when he's free to negotiate a transfer with any interested parties, or in the summer when his contract expires.

Rather than accepting his departure, Guehi is one player who could inspire Palace to break their usual wage structure and offer the competitive salary needed to persuade their captain to stay. Already a historic figure as the club's skipper during a transformative period, he has the potential to create a new era at Selhurst Park, rather than allow that FA Cup to be a one-off.

The case for rewarding Mateta with a hefty contract isn't as compelling, considering he'll be turning 29 next June. However, trends are meant to be broken.

Having recently made his debut for France, Mateta has hit his peak late, netting 36 Premier League goals over the past two seasons - a tally that can't be overlooked. Securing these two players on more lucrative contracts would send a clear message that Palace aren't satisfied being labelled a 'selling club' and in turn boost the club's reputation as an attractive destination for top talent.

Conference League priorities shelved

As harsh as it may sound, sacrifices might need to be made during Palace's inaugural campaign in Europe. While some fans may dream of lifting European silverware at the first attempt, this shouldn't be the primary goal if it risks leading to stagnation in the future.

In their quest, the emphasis should still be on securing a spot in one of Europe's top-tier competitions through their league standing. The Eagles ought to have been competing in the Europa League this season, but an ownership scandal saw them demoted to the Conference League, and it would be understandable if the club chose not to fully commit to the competition.

Palace sat sixth in the Premier League heading into the international break and were the first side to disrupt Liverpool's flawless start to the season. This result demonstrated what this team can achieve against England's top clubs, although such results will inevitably become more challenging as the season advances.

The European journey has begun positively with a 2-0 victory over Dynamo Kyiv, but obstacles are sure to emerge as the weeks roll on. In those instances where Glasner must choose between risking key players or rotating his squad for Europe, he should favour the latter.

It was just two years ago that West Ham clinched the Conference League themselves and seemed to be experiencing a resurgence. Fast-forward to the present day and much of the goodwill generated by that historic title win has evaporated, illustrating how quickly fortunes can change for a club punching above its weight without the appropriate structures in place.

Hence, it would be prudent for Palace to concentrate on domestic competitions and view the Conference League as an added advantage (albeit a very attractive one). As unappreciative as that may seem at present, it's solely due to the belief there are even more prestigious accolades to strive for in the near future if the club makes the right moves.