Liverpool have reportedly opened negotiations for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton as the Anfield rebuild gathers pace.
It’s no secret that Liverpool will be adding players to their squad this transfer window, as they look to recover after a tough campaign in many regards. One of the early names that’s dominating the news is Adam Wharton.
The Crystal Palace midfielder has been on the radar of several Premier League clubs since he made the switch from Blackburn to Selhurst Park back in 2024. The Englishman appears to be one of the leading candidates in the Anfield rebuild.
Liverpool scouts, according to Sky Sports, were in attendance during Palace’s recent 3-1 victory and came away impressed by Wharton’s performance. The 22-year-old has steadily evolved into a controlling presence in midfield, dictating tempo and offering defensive balance, attributes that align closely with what Liverpool’s recruitment team are targeting.
Journalist Ben Jacobs previously reported on the Reds’ interest in the 22-year-old earlier this month, though he took to social media to hammer home the idea that he’s an option this summer. He believes the Eagles would look to raise £80 million for their star midfielder this summer.
Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, also reported on the Anfield side’s interest in Wharton, stating, “Liverpool are in negotiations with Adam Wharton. They want him, and there has been contacts between the parties.”
The 22-year-old has come on leaps and bounds under Austrian manager Oliver Glasner, where he helped the south London club win the FA Cup in 2025. He’s even earned several call-ups to England, and it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see him included in the Three Lions squad for this upcoming World Cup.
Last season, Liverpool were a dominant force in the midfield, and often the quality of the three included would make a significant difference between the sides. This season has been a different story.
Alexis Mac Allister looks a shell of his former self, constantly losing duels in the middle of the park, whilst being outrun by the opposition. Ryan Gravenberch has shared a similar fate and received far less praise for his displays this time around.
A setup to the core of the starting XI has been missing for nearly the entirety of the season, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones featuring heavily at right-back following injuries to the more suited options.
Wharton can be the lynchpin of the midfield, someone who ties the knots together from a defensive or offensive standpoint. He isn’t afraid of getting stuck in or being the man to make a decisive contribution; however, there is one key reason why this signing feels important to complete.
Often criticised by pundits and neutral fans for his defending, Kopites appreciated Trent Alexander-Arnold for his freakish talent when on the ball, being one of the very few players in European football who could unlock a defence at ease.
Tactic setups from the Dutch head coach have been scrutinised, but missing the quality of the Scouser was always hard to replace, and the incoming Jeremie Frimpong didn’t own that ability on the ball in his bag of tricks.
While being more involved in the centre of the field, Wharton has that natural talent to not only find the pass but also execute, making him a possible heir to the void left by Alexander-Arnold.
The Reds will face pressure to secure his signature; they must advance quickly before another force interjects.
Despite the escalating noise, Wharton remains remarkably composed. His recent comments to Sky Sports showcased a level-headed perspective, reflecting a maturity well beyond his years
“Obviously the praise is good and being linked with big clubs it’s obviously a compliment in a way.
“As much praise as you get, there’s also the other side of it where other people don’t think you are doing very well or other clubs don’t want you because they don’t like this thing about you.
“I don’t really pay attention to it. I know that I’m doing well. The coach will tell me. To them, they’re the ones who can have the biggest impact on me and help me develop my career. The outside ones, I don’t really focus on it. I just try to focus on myself.”
The pursuit of Wharton is a direct response to Liverpool’s evolving midfield. As contract cycles end and gaps in the roster emerge, his profile as a deep-lying playmaker addresses a critical structural void. He follows a familiar ‘stepping-stone’ arc: excelling at a mid-table European contender before making the inevitable jump to a powerhouse
One small issue with Liverpool signings Wharton
The Englishman is an incredible footballer; there are no two ways about it, however, there is a slight squad issue if the club were to cough up the £80 million fee.
The current Dutch midfielder doesn’t have the on-ball technique that the 22-year-old has in his locker, but they share many other qualities.
One aspect they don’t share is a physical presence at the heart of the midfield, which some of the best teams in the country do.
Declan Rice and Rodri are examples of why Arsenal and Manchester City have been a step above everyone else, and Fabinho was a key reason why Liverpool stepped up their challenge for major honours.
Another midfielder may be required to be introduced to Merseyside if the Palace midfielder is signed, though that begs the question of what happens to other players?
This might be a reason why the club seem so content on pushing Jones out the door.
Wharton is a star of the next generation of midfielders who will play in the Premier League, and he has the skillset that the Reds desperately want.
