What might have been for Wolves in 2023 after Adam Wharton masterclass for Crystal Palace

Wolves fans watched their team lose again on Saturday, and many couldn’t help but applaud the performance of Adam Wharton for Crystal Palace.

Rob Edwards could not get off to a dream start in his first game, losing 2-0 at Molineux.

It was disappointing, because Palace were not at the high level we’ve been seeing from them in recent weeks, but Wolves missed their opportunity to capitalise.

It was clear that there was gulf between the two sides even despite Palace struggling, and that is a real worry.

Palace have recruited so well in recent times.

And one player they really struck gold with is Adam Wharton.

And in a parallel universe, the midfielder may have actually been wearing an old gold shirt yesterday and not a red and blue one.

Wolves showed interest in Adam Wharton in 2023

Back in the summer of 2023, at the end of the window, Wolves were reported to be showing interest in Wharton, with a £12 million bid touted

The claim was made by Alan Nixon, and it arrived at the time of Manchester City’s pursuit of Matheus Nunes.

City, of course, were able to sign Nunes in the end, after the player went on strike.

Wharton was on the radars of a few other clubs at the time as well as Wolves, but he ended up staying put with Blackburn Rovers.

However, Wharton then did get his move to the Premier League in the next window, as he joined Crystal Palace in January.

There was a feeling that, at £18 million potentially rising to £22m million, Palace had done a very astute transfer deal. And that has proven to be the case, with Wharton having excelled in the Premier League and made his way on to the wish-lists of many top clubs.

• READ MORE: Wolves player ratings vs Crystal Palace, Andre gets 7/10 and plenty of 5/10s in Rob Edwards’ opener

Wharton dominated Wolves

Wolves have two great midfielders in Andre and Joao Gomes, but on Saturday the standout player was Wharton.

The England international was so composed on the ball from the base of the Eagles’ midfielder, and completed 47/55 (85%) passes in the game. He always looked to play forwards, and did provide the assist on Yeremy Pino’s goal, which was one of two key passes. Only Emmanuel Agbadou (78) had more than his 75 touches, indicating he really did boss the game.

Wharton – who complimented Wolves’ defensive shape on Saturday – was also solid defensively, winning 5/9 duels.

Wharton’s performance was lapped up by Palace fans, but there were even Wolves fans noting just how impressive Wharton was playing.

It’s difficult to say if Wharton would have had the same trajectory had he signed for Wolves when he was linked. But certainly, he is a player most Wolves fans wish was gracing the Molineux turf now.