New Crystal Palace head coach Pierre Sage used his first press conference in charge to address speculation surrounding Adam Wharton's future, insisting the midfielder will remain at Selhurst Park despite reported interest from Manchester City.
Sage, who succeeded Oliver Glasner as manager in June following a spell at French club Lens, made clear that now is not the time for Palace to part with their prized asset, even acknowledging that a big-money move elsewhere could eventually be on the cards for the 22-year-old.
"I think now is not the moment to do that (sell Wharton)," Sage said. "I think he is able to play in another club, in a big club, here or everywhere in Europe. But I think one year with us, with a new dynamic, will be good for him, and we need him. That's why I think he will stay with us."
While Sage stopped short of guaranteeing Wharton's long-term future at the club, he suggested the situation could be reassessed at a later date, leaving the door open for a potential departure further down the line.
Manchester City have emerged as the latest suitors for Wharton following a summer of significant turnover in their midfield ranks. Bernardo Silva departed for Real Madrid on a free transfer at the close of last season, while Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders have since left for Barcelona and Al Qadsiah respectively within the past week. City have already moved to strengthen their options, signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a deal reported to be worth £116 million, and have also been linked with Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi as they look to reshape Pep Guardiola's engine room.
Beyond the Wharton situation, Sage used the occasion to outline Palace's priorities in the transfer market, stressing the need to bring in a replacement for centre-back Maxence Lacroix, who recently completed a move to Chelsea. The defender's departure has left a gap at the heart of Palace's backline that the club will look to address before the window closes.
Sage also addressed reports linking Wilfried Zaha with a sensational return to Selhurst Park. The Ivory Coast international, who scored 90 goals in 458 appearances for the Eagles before leaving in 2023, has reportedly been using Palace's training facilities on a private basis. However, Sage played down suggestions of an imminent reunion.
"I know he is a legend here, but to be really honest, I don't think he will stay with us," Sage said, appearing to close the door on any romantic notions of a Zaha comeback despite his continued connection to the club's training base.
On team matters, Sage confirmed that a decision on captain Dean Henderson's availability for Saturday's fixture against Everton will not be made until Friday. The goalkeeper picked up an ankle knock during a pre-season friendly against German side Freiburg, and his fitness will be closely monitored in the coming days before a final call is made on his participation.
With the transfer window still open and questions remaining over both incomings and outgoings, Sage's opening remarks as Palace boss suggested a manager keen to stabilize the squad while managing expectations around some of his most valuable and sentimental assets.
Based on reporting from Independent (football).