Sage backs Crystal Palace to keep Wharton despite Man City interest this summer

Pierre Sage, Crystal Palace’s newly appointed manager, has moved to calm speculation over Adam Wharton’s future, stating he expects the England international to remain at Selhurst Park this summer despite reported interest from Manchester City.

Sage, who replaced Oliver Glasner in June after leaving Lens, acknowledged Wharton’s market value but argued the 22-year-old is not yet ready to make the step up. “I think now is not the moment to do that,” Sage said at his first press conference in charge. “I think he is able to play in another club, in a big club, here or everywhere in Europe. But I think one year with us, with a new dynamic, will be good for him, and we need him. That’s why I think he will stay with us.” Sage did, however, leave the door open to reassessing Wharton’s situation next summer.

City’s interest in Wharton comes amid a significant overhaul of their midfield. Bernardo Silva departed at the end of last season, joining Real Madrid on a free transfer, while Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders have since moved to Barcelona and Al Qadsiah respectively. The club have already signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million and have been linked with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Sage also addressed speculation surrounding Wilfried Zaha, who has been using Palace’s training facilities privately. The Frenchman was direct in his assessment: “I know he is a legend here, but to be really honest, I don’t think he will stay with us.” Zaha scored 90 goals in 458 appearances across two spells at the club before departing in 2023.

On the defensive front, Sage confirmed Palace are actively seeking a replacement for Maxence Lacroix, who recently completed a move to Chelsea, leaving a gap at centre-back heading into the new season.

Closer to the short term, goalkeeper Dean Henderson’s availability for Palace’s Premier League opener against Everton on Saturday remains in doubt after the captain picked up an ankle knock in a pre-season friendly against Freiburg. A decision on his fitness is expected on Friday.