Despite spending a huge amount of money during the summer transfer window, Liverpool still look slightly light in the middle of the pitch.
The Reds bought players in both defence and attack ahead of the new season, but did not address a growing issue in midfield.
With Arne Slot now employing a new-look diamond formation, there is even more scope for him to get as many midfielders as possible on the pitch.
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Jamie Carragher looks on ahead of the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield
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Within that new system, it is easy to see how Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton could easily slot in.
Liverpool have been linked with Wharton ahead of more spending in 2026, and according to journalist Lewis Steele, the move is one to keep a close eye on for Reds fans.
Adam Wharton to Liverpool is one to watch
Given the presence of Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz in the Liverpool squad, Slot does have several world-class options at his disposal.
However beyond that standout quintet, the Reds are especially light. It would not take much for Slot to be turning to Wataru Endo to start matches, something he clearly does not want to do.
Adam Wharton plays a pass during Crystal Palace's Premier League match against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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Fans are keen to see someone new arrive, and Wharton has become one of the main candidates for that.
Given the opportunity to ask Daily Mail journalist Steele about the possibility of a transfer during a live Q&A on YouTube, one Liverpool supporter was given encouragement that a deal may be in the offing.
“Nothing imminent, I can’t see Liverpool signing a midfielder in January, let’s say that,” answered the reporter. “But Adam Wharton certainly has his admirers at Anfield and he could be one to watch for the summer.
“There are maybe one light in that role. I watched Palace against City on Sunday, Wharton was unbelievable, he was pulling the strings in the first-half and I was thinking he’d be perfect in this Liverpool team. From what I hear there’s admirers at Anfield, nothing more than that at this stage but it could be one to watch in the future.”
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Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Brentford and Liverpool
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Wharton to Liverpool starting to feel inevitable
Liverpool’s next big investment in the squad is surely going to be to bring in a midfielder in the mould of Wharton.
The 21-year-old would be a costly addition to whoever he eventually joins from Palace, and the Reds better be prepared to get the chequebook out again.
The Liverpool owners have shown recently that that is not a problem for them should the right player be available to sign.
From everything he’s shown since arriving at Palace two years ago, Wharton can certainly be that man for the Reds.
Given the noise being generated, this is certainly encouraging for supporters, and more than that, there is an inkling that a move is starting to feel inevitable.
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