Wartón on Madrid’s Radar: Palace Stands Firm as Transfer Talks Heat Up
3 January 2026
Crystal Palace blocks Real Madrid bid
A British newspaper report published on Saturday claims Crystal Palace plans to complicate Real Madrid’s bid to sign their midfielder Adam Wartón. The links place Wartón at the heart of an unfolding summer saga that could reshape both clubs’ squads.
Renewal talks and potential summer exit
Wartón has shone over the past two seasons, drawing interest from Real Madrid alongside historically linked clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United. According to TalkSport, Palace are actively pursuing a renewal to keep the midfielder beyond the coming summer, aiming to fend off any move that could materialize soon.
Wartón’s current deal runs through 2029. If Palace fail to renew, the teenager could depart for around £65 million in the summer, under terms reportedly agreed between both parties.
Madrid’s midfield ambitions and other Palace links
Real Madrid are said to be keen on strengthening their engine room, especially after Toni Kroos’s retirement and the challenge of replacing a player of his ilk. In addition to Wartón, Palace have also been tied to Mark Guehi, whose contract ends at the close of the season, keeping the transfer window buzzing around Selhurst Park.
Ultimately, Palace appear intent on keeping Wartón for the long term, while Madrid and other suitors circle. The summer could still bring surprises, but Palace aren’t selling on the cheap.
Punchline 1: Real Madrid chasing Wartón? That’s a move that’s practically Wart-on the air—you can hear the rumors coming before they land.
Punchline 2: Palace guarding Wartón like a rare antique—priced to sell, but only to the right bidder, preferably with a good joke and a decent shampoo budget for the squad photo.
