Adam Wharton has been lauded by Pierre Sage for choosing to stay at Crystal Palace despite being linked with top Premier League clubs in the summer transfer window.
The midfielder has become an integral part of the Eagles lineup since joining the club from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024, playing a key role in their FA Cup and UEFA Conference League wins.
The 22-year-old’s performances earned him his first international caps with England and attracted the interest of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Wharton, who has three years left to run on his contract, decided against leaving Selhurst Park this summer to continue his development
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s London derby against Fulham at Craven Cottage, Sage revealed that Wharton never spoke with him about making a move to another club and never doubted his commitment to Palace.
Adam Wharton praised for ‘really smart’ transfer decision
“The club was strong with his situation and the player is completely in line with that,” the French coach said in his pre-match press conference.
“He never spoke with me about a possible departure, that’s why I think he is in a project to manage his career and he is really smart to do it like this.
“He did the job every day without a bad mindset and that’s why I understood quickly he wanted to stay and prepare his future with us.
“He is really smart to stay one more year and maybe more, because he has 10 years (playing) after that.”
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