Arne Slot's rebuild could take a crucial step in the right direction if Liverpool opt to sell out-of-sorts Alexis Mac Allister and sign one of the Premier League's most highly sought-after midfielders.
Mac Allister's future isn't certain amid speculation growing over Real Madrid possibly making a move for the Argentine, who was a key man for the Reds last season but has been way off the pace this term. He will have two years left on his contract come next summer, and that could be the opportune time to cash in.
The 26-year-old fared well in Liverpool's vital 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, showing signs that a return to his best is on the horizon. But should he continue to struggle, Slot will need to consider strengthening his midfield, starting with his sale and another £100 million plus acquisition.
Wharton A Must For Liverpool
Adam Wharton
There perhaps isn't a more sought-after midfield talent in English football than Adam Wharton, who has starred at Crystal Palace and been earning rave reviews. He seemingly has half of Europe's top guns chasing his signature, including the Merseyside giants.
Football FanCast reports that Wharton is keen on a move to Anfield next year, and the club's scouts believe he is the perfect solution to the Mac Allister problem. He's a gem whose deep-lying playmaking has been likened to that of Madrid legend Toni Kroos.
Wharton, dubbed a "superstar", will cost a pretty penny though, with Palace believed to be asking for around £150 million for the 21-year-old who has been at Selhurst Park since early 2024. He is almost certainly one for the future and could lock down the Reds' number six role for years to come.
FSG haven't been afraid to splash the cash as seen this past summer when they broke the British transfer record twice. Florian Wirtz arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in a £116 million deal before Alexander Isak became the most expensive Premier League player in history, joining from Newcastle United for £125 million.
The club's transfer chiefs will need to be wary of overspending, given the massive sums paid for the likes of Wirtz and Isak this past summer. A Mac Allister sale would be the answer, with reports from Spain suggesting Xabi Alonso has instructed Madrid to sign the Argentine, who earns £175,000 per week (via Capology), and they are willing to offer around £86 million.