Adam Wharton has just sent Everton a painful reminder of another cost of takeover delay

Adam Wharton, the Crystal Palace midfielder who made his England debut alongside Jarrad Branthwaite against Bosnia-Herzegovina, is a player that Everton scouts have long been familiar with.

Jarrad Branthwaite’s first cap. Jordan Pickford’s 61st appearance and his 29th clean sheet.

Everton supporters celebrated their team’s 3-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Monday night as England intensified their preparations for Euro 2024. However, there was also going to be a hint of regret.

The other England debutant at St. James’ Park is now fully exposed, if the truth about Branthwaite’s extraordinary abilities has always been known.

Unfortunately for Everton, though, they will already be well-versed in Adam Wharton. After all, the sophisticated, deep-lying playmaker had spent years representing his native Blackburn Rovers against Blues youth sides.

Blackburn realized they were holding a valuable item. And it must have been evident to everyone who had followed his ascent through Rovers’ youth and smooth entry into their first squad.

That’s why it was unexpected that Crystal Palace made Blackburn’s only real offer in January. The 20-year-old’s £18 million acquisition by the Eagles already seems like a steal.

Wharton has adapted to the Premier League incredibly well, becoming a vital member of a youthful and dynamic Palace team in just a year and nine months.

And after he played a stunning 100% of passes in his second-half cameo against Bosnia on Monday, there are now strong demands for the young player to be included in England’s final 26-man squad that travels to Germany later this month. And if a report from The Independent is to be believed, Wharton may end up in Germany, as Bayern Munich is said to view him as their long-term midfield solution and are considering a £60 million summer offer.

It would serve as a clear reminder of what Everton and their Premier League opponents have lost out on and would represent some profit for Palace, who have no plans to sell.

To be fair to the Blues, they were unable to acquire any players in January, much less one who would have cost £18 million, due to the ongoing takeover drama. However, the fact that the club was not in the running for Wharton’s signing must have greatly irritated their recruitment team, especially the scouts who have been following him since he was a young player.

Remember that Everton was once masters at spotting talent in the Football League and turning it into something amazing?

In addition, the Blues have had great success by acquiring players from newly regulated Premier League clubs, as evidenced by the signings of Phil Jagielka, Idrissa Gueye, James Tarkowski, and Dwight McNeil.

Therefore, it is quite unfortunate that the club’s financial mismanagement has brought it to the situation where it is currently ineligible for a Wharton. And things could not get any better anytime soon. Manager Sean Dyche, who has worked wonders with the little transfer resources at his disposal, has acknowledged that he will be “juggling dust” this summer in the event that a takeover of the team does not happen.

Everton’s top priority continue to be a takeover and the development of the spectacular new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. But going forward, they have to be ready to attack if a guy with Wharton’s caliber and potential becomes available.

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