Manchester United Transfer Warning: Louis Saha Calls £100m Adam Wharton Move ‘Extremely Dangerous’
Manchester United’s growing pursuit of Adam Wharton has prompted a strong warning from former striker Louis Saha, who labelled the potential transfer as “extremely dangerous.” Reports suggest the club is preparing a staggering £100 million offer for the 20-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder ahead of the 2026 summer window, but there are growing concerns about both the financial and sporting risks involved in such a move.
Speaking with OLBG, Saha cautioned United about the hype surrounding young prospects like Wharton, stressing that a deal of this scale could easily backfire. “Adam Wharton is still a young lad,” Saha said. “You have to be careful with big-money signings. The current market is dangerous because the hype can inflate prices unrealistically, and clubs often find themselves disappointed when the player doesn’t meet expectations.”
Wharton has enjoyed a rapid rise since joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in early 2024 for around £18 million. His exceptional calmness on the ball, sharp passing, and intelligence in dictating play have earned him comparisons to Michael Carrick and Declan Rice. The youngster has been pivotal to Palace’s recent success, helping them secure their first FA Cup title in years and fight for a European spot. His performances have not gone unnoticed, attracting interest from top clubs such as Liverpool and Real Madrid. However, Palace are determined to keep him and are reportedly preparing a new long-term contract to deter potential suitors.
At Old Trafford, United are in the midst of another rebuilding phase under sporting director Jason Wilcox and head coach Ruben Amorim. Following recent attacking reinforcements like Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, the club now sees Wharton as a long-term midfield solution capable of controlling games from deep. Yet, given the club’s mixed record with expensive signings, Saha’s concerns are timely. “Look at how long it took Moisés Caicedo to adapt at Chelsea,” he added. “You can’t just throw money at a player and expect immediate success.”
Saha’s warning goes beyond just Wharton’s potential transfer — it highlights the growing inflation of football’s transfer market. A £100 million price tag for a player with fewer than 100 senior appearances not only reflects his potential but also the fierce competition among Europe’s biggest clubs. Saha believes such valuations can place unrealistic pressure on young players, potentially hindering their development.
For now, Crystal Palace remain unfazed by the speculation. Wharton’s current deal runs until 2029, and both club and player are focused on his continued growth at Selhurst Park. Palace insiders insist that staying put, where he is guaranteed regular football, is in the midfielder’s best interest.
Nevertheless, with United, Liverpool, and Real Madrid all circling, Palace could face a tough decision if Wharton maintains his current form. A Premier League bidding war could be on the horizon, with United keeping a close watch on his progress.
The potential move for Adam Wharton represents both an opportunity and a major gamble for Manchester United. It could signal a bold step in their new recruitment approach under Amorim and Wilcox — or serve as another costly reminder of the risks of overpaying in a volatile market. For now, the young midfielder remains grounded and focused on his journey with Crystal Palace, continuing to establish himself as one of England’s brightest rising stars.
