Gary Rowett, a former Championship manager, has expressed surprise at the transfer fee associated with Adam Wharton’s move to Crystal Palace. The confirmation of Wharton’s transfer from Blackburn Rovers to Crystal Palace on a five-and-a-half-year deal came on the final day of the winter transfer window. Despite Wharton’s effectiveness in influencing games in the final third, Rowett finds the £18 million-plus fee to be a considerable amount.
Rowett, who faced Wharton as an opponent last season, acknowledges the player’s excellence in ball possession and highlights his diverse skill set, including goal-scoring abilities. While Rowett recognizes Wharton’s potential and versatility in taking the ball anywhere on the field, he expresses surprise at the transfer fee. Typically, Rowett notes, players moving from the Championship to the Premier League command fees ranging from £10m to £15m.
Although the deal has been finalized, Rowett believes it will be a substantial leap for Wharton, emphasizing the increased intensity, physicality, and speed of play in the Premier League compared to the Championship. Despite the surprise, Rowett considers the £18 million-plus deal beneficial for Blackburn as well. He views Wharton’s move as one for the future, suggesting that it may take some time for the player to adapt to the elevated level of competition in the Premier League. Wharton, having participated in 26 Championship matches for Blackburn this season with five goal contributions, now aims to secure a spot in the Crystal Palace side following his move to Selhurst Park. Rowett finds the transfer fee to be noteworthy in this context.
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