Manchester United believes £60 million is enough to sign Wighton, and Amorelin holds him in high regard! Crystal Palace chief responds to rumors.

Manchester United intends to sign Crystal Palace's Adam Wighton next year for about £60 million, a figure close to the "gentleman's agreement" price revealed by UK media. Yet, persuading Wighton to commit is still uncertain since Liverpool, Manchester City, and Real Madrid are also pursuing him.

Ruben Amorelin has been following Wighton's development closely and reportedly holds great admiration for the 21-year-old English midfielder. Over the past year and a half, Wighton has become a well-known defensive midfielder in the Premier League, earning the nickname "the new Carrick."

In 2024, Wighton joined Crystal Palace from Blackburn for £18 million. Under head coach Oliver Glasner, he played a key role in helping the "London Eagles" secure both the FA Cup and the League Cup titles.

Like Carrick, Wighton is the type of midfielder whose passing and assist stats may not stand out but who provides stability to the team’s midfield—a role that Manchester United’s midfield currently lacks.

With Manchester United’s Cody Menoe and Casemiro potentially leaving next year, Amorelin needs to bring in at least two midfielders. According to The Daily Star, he sees Wighton as one of those players due to his skills, awareness, and attitude. United believes £60 million is sufficient to complete the deal, rather than £65 million, £80 million, or even £100 million.

TEAMtalk reports that Wighton is more likely to transfer during next summer’s window rather than in the January mid-season window. Crystal Palace’s contract with Wighton runs until 2029, giving them a strong negotiating position, making a mid-season signing very difficult.

It was surprising that Wighton was not selected for England after Tuchel took charge. However, if he continues to be excluded from the national team, it could benefit Manchester United’s signing prospects, as being an England international usually commands a premium—and often a very high one—on the transfer market.

“Tuchel messaged me saying I performed well and was close to the target, and that I should get a chance, but he wanted to give the original players their opportunity,” Wighton said. “That’s football; I’m not too bothered. I can rest and visit my grandparents, no big deal. There are international matches next month, but my focus is on performing well for Crystal Palace. England selection is just a bonus. We have many top players, the coach has many options, and someone will always be left out. I won’t complain.”

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish stated, “I think Adam wants to play in the Champions League. If we can achieve that, he will stay with us; otherwise, he might choose to play elsewhere. He is indeed very talented. At present, although I cannot speak for Adam himself, I believe he remains focused on his performances for Crystal Palace.”

He did not shy away from mentioning Manchester United’s interest in Wighton: “It’s not surprising that Manchester United wants Wighton. But in reality, he still has a long-term contract, and we are not under immediate pressure to sell. Moreover, I believe the player himself has no intention to leave.”

The Red Devils might even sign Wighton and simultaneously try to lure Crystal Palace’s head coach Oliver Glasner, whose contract expires at the end of this season. Parish revealed they have already held preliminary talks about a new contract with Glasner but admitted the 51-year-old Austrian coach has ambitious goals; he wants to win more trophies and will move elsewhere if that isn’t possible at Crystal Palace.

“We have had some initial discussions,” Parish explained. “We are very keen to keep Oliver, and we are working on some important projects. I think the key for Oliver is whether the working environment suits him—that is, all conditions must allow him to enjoy his job and support his success. Oliver is eager to win various championships and never hides that, as that is the reason he is involved in football. If we can align these interests, there is hope for a positive outcome.”