Exclusive: New Boss Liam Rosenior Pushes Chelsea to Move for Crystal Palace Star Adam Wharton

Liam Rosenior, Chelsea’s new head coach, will urge Stamford Bridge’s hierarchy to try and prise Adam Wharton away from Crystal Palace either now or during the summer transfer window, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The 41-year-old was appointed as Enzo Maresca’s permanent successor this week following an impressive spell in charge of The Blues’ sister club Strasbourg.

And, during preliminary conversations about the club’s recruitment strategy moving forward, he is understood to have urged sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart to consider adding Wharton’s name to their list of potential acquisitions.

Previously of Blackburn Rovers, the young midfielder has excelled since heading to Selhurst Park 23 months ago with Real Madrid known to be among his army of admirers. 

But Rosenior has identified Wharton as being as perfect fit for his tactical approach and system which, given its emphasis on dominating possession, requires someone capable of both winning and then distributing the ball at its core.

SportsBoom reported back in November that Crystal Palace were preparing a bumper new deal to keep Adam Wharton at Selhurst Park beyond his 2029 expiring contract and fend off interest from clubs like Manchester United. With no agreement yet signed, it suggests the England international may be weighing his next career move.

ATTRACTED INTEREST

Although Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, who have also both attracted interest from the Spanish giants, already excel in that role for Chelsea, their busy schedule and lack of proven back-up has often required the duo are selected despite carrying niggling injuries.

Capturing Wharton would not only ease the workload on the pair’s shoulders but enable Rosenior to make in-game changes to keep his team fresh without being forced to change approach.

Palace are reluctant to sell the England international, particularly when Mark Guehi’s future at Selhurst Park is in serious doubt. 

Rosenior and The Blues’ hierarchy acknowledge that could complicate a swoop during the winter window. Likewise, Wharton has no desire to force an early exit from The Eagles.

But, as he attempts to cement a place in Thomas Tuchel’s plans ahead of next summer’s World Cup, the prospect of joining one of the country’s biggest names could prove too tempting for him to resist should Rosenior’s powers of persuasion win over Chelsea’s hierarchy.