- Wharton has reportedly surpassed Bayern’s analytical benchmarks for a midfielder
- Bayern, who missed Wharton in January, want a defensive player
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Bayern Munich reportedly see Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton as the solution to their midfield conundrum and could opt for him this summer.
The Bundesliga giants are in the market for a defensive midfielder, despite the likelihood that Joshua Kimmich will stay after reportedly turning down a reunion with Hansi Flick at Barcelona.
Vincent Kompany was confirmed as Bayern’s new boss on Wednesday afternoon, joining a side that needs some freshening up after a disappointing season.
Bayern missed out on Wharton in January and there are already reports they are making a £60million bid for the 20-year-old. Palace bought him from Blackburn for £22.5 million in January.
Now The independent claims Wharton has topped many of Bayern’s analysis points in their search for a new midfielder.
Bayern Munich reportedly see Adam Wharton as the answer to their midfield needs
Thomas Tuchel had wanted to recruit a defensive player to play in midfield instead of Joshua Kimmich (photo)
Vincent Kompany has been announced as Bayern’s new boss after an extensive search
Wharton’s stunning form at Palace, where he helped them to 10th in the Premier League under Oliver Glasner, has attracted attention.
It has earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s provisional squad for Euro 2024.
England fans were able to see him in action for the first time on the senior stage in friendlies against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland.
Southgate has until midnight on June 7, the day England play Iceland, to submit his final squad for the tournament in Germany.
“Adam Wharton made the move mid-season and adapted very well to the Premier League,” said Southgate.
‘[Wharton] has only just been included in our Under-21 group, but we’ve seen enough to know he’s a player we’d like to see more of and learn more about.
‘[He is a] good technician – he can handle the ball very well. He has a calmness about him that I really like. Palace have found a system that really suits them with a deficit of three at the back. There are things we need to know about that.
“He’s at a good time, he’s confident and we’re keen to find out more about him.”
Gareth Southgate has included Wharton in his provisional squad for the European Championships in Germany
Wharton has won the second-most tackles and second-most duels of any Palace player this season, a testament to the defensive prowess Bayern are looking for.
Thomas Tuchel was keen to recruit a defensive midfielder this season as he saw Kimmich more as a number eight, an assessment that reportedly put him at odds with the player and the squad.