Forget Adam Wharton: The stats say that Manchester United's ideal midfield signing is obviousplaceholder image
Forget Adam Wharton: The stats say that Manchester United's ideal midfield signing is obvious | Getty Images
Liverpool are looking to strengthen again in January, but could patience be the key to land one of England’s hottest prospects.
The January transfer window is notoriously difficult to sign good players whilst getting value for money as Liverpool look to add to the record summer spend.
The word remains “quality” rather than “quantity” with a centre-half, central midfielder and winger appearing to be the three positions that Richard Hughes is being linked with. Antoine Semenyo seemed certain to be paraded at Anfield only for his head to be turned by Man City with Yan Diomande the exciting name who could be another big-money signing at £87m, although other reports suggest that RB Leipzig could listen to offers over £65m.
Liverpool given Adam Wharton encouragement
It is the sort of fee that has become the norm for good players, however, with Adam Wharton linked at £60m due to a gentleman’s agreement with Crystal Palace, it is easy to see why he is at the forefront of Liverpool’s thinking instead of Elliot Anderson and his £100m valuation.
If Liverpool want to activate this “clause” their form could be key to a summer move according to Ben Jacobs via TalkSPORT. Jacobs says the midfielder has an agreement with his club which could see him move on for £60-65m.
“Adam Wharton is probably a summer saga as far as I’m aware,” said the journalist. “It’s quite a fluid situation, as of now it’s not [Oliver] Glasner related. Some of the players are aware that Glasner could leave at the end of the season but Palace have got European football and they’re on track to get it again.
“Wharton’s number one priority imminently in his career is ideally to go and play Champions League football. If Palace they somehow qualify for the Champions League and Glasner leaves, Wharton might be a bit more patient.”
How good can Wharton become?
Wharton’s talent is unquestioned with former Blackburn Rovers manager ripping his old teen prodigy for the top: “Adam learned very quickly from playing with the youth,” says Tomasson via Blackburn’s website, who is currently manager at Sweden. “You immediately saw his quality on the ball — it’s Champions League level. To be able to play forward is a quality you need in the Premier League if you want to impact the game.
“He’s made for bigger things. He has a very clear idea about what he wants to do — he wants to go to the top. When you can play in the Championship at that age, especially in his second season when he played every game, you get better.
“You can always improve. Adam has that mindset to become the best Adam Wharton. He’s a great player on the eye and a joy to watch. He’s quiet but he knows what he wants. I believe he can and will play for England,” Tomasson said. “If you are Champions League level on the ball then you need to play Champions League football all the time and I think he will do that.”
Being in the Champions League might not stop Wharton from joining Liverpool, but it might see a higher chunk of the budget being spent if it isn’t made.
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