Jude Bellingham makes Real Madrid transfer request

Jude Bellingham has asked Real Madrid to complete the signing of Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, according to a shock report in Spain.

Los Blancos are actively searching the market for a new central midfielder, following the departure of Luka Modric last year, and they have identified a number of high-quality targets, including Wharton.

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since his arrival at Selhurst Park in January 2024 and he has been heavily linked with a departure this year amid significant transfer interest.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are all eager to land the England star this summer, but they are set to face renewed competition from Real Madrid.

Xabi Alonso has requested the signing of at least one new midfielder in 2026, as per multiple reports, and Wharton is on the club’s transfer shortlist alongside the likes of Vitinha, Kees Smit and Angelo Stiller.

In fact, Spanish outlet E-Noticies now claim that Bellingham has requested the Real Madrid hierarchy to sign his England team-mate this year.

It’s reported that Bellingham wants to be deployed in a more attacking role at the Bernabeu next season, in a similar fashion to his debut campaign at the club, and the potential addition of Wharton would enable him to advance into attacking areas on a more frequent basis.

Real Madrid also reportedly believe that Wharton would be a sensible addition, although they will be required to match Crystal Palace’s €80 million asking price in order to finalise a transfer.

Adam Wharton to Real Madrid?

News that Real Madrid could be set to pursue Wharton this year comes after his agent, James Featherstone, hinted that a move to a Champions League club could be on the cards in 2026.

“When he was at Blackburn we sat down and spoke about shooting for the stars and playing for England,” Featherstone told talkSPORT in December.

“So how do you get there? Personally I think to play for England you have to play in the Champions League, to play in the Champions League you have got to play for one of the top teams in one of the top leagues.

“That jump to a Champions League team, I think you can get lost. The plan below that was to play for a Premier League team. We have got a plan. He is 21. I have to check myself to remember that every now and then.

“It doesn’t have to be achieved yesterday, today or this moment. He has got his in-game, in-season targets and goals. He has got to do his bit and the rest will look after itself in a very structured, calm way to ultimately add value and maximise his ability.”

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