Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is emerging as a realistic target for Liverpool in the summer, with an £80 million deal proposed for the 21-year-old.
Palace’s squad and staff are set to be decimated over the coming months, with Marc Guehi already leaving to Man City and head coach Oliver Glasner making clear he will depart at the end of the season.
Along with striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is pushing for a move this January, Wharton is slated to be the next high-profile sale at Selhurst Park.
The Mail‘s Lewis Steele reports that Liverpool “would be keen” on a deal which could reach as high as £80 million for the young midfielder.
However they are not alone in their interest, with competition expected from “many teams.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 10, 2025: Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton celebrates with the trophy after the FA Community Shield match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. Palace won 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Propaganda)
Man United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid have all been linked with moves for the England international, whose transfer from Blackburn to Palace included a sell-on clause.
That entitles Blackburn to 15 percent of any profit on the £22 million Palace paid in 2024, which would complicate any negotiations over a potential switch to Anfield.
Amid claims of talks with Palace back in November, This Is Anfield was told that Liverpool did not view Wharton as an active target, though their interest in the player is natural given his profile.
Where Adam Wharton would fit in at Liverpool: Key to unlocking Ryan Gravenberch?
Liverpool already have a strong bank of midfielders with Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones in regular rotation this season.
Florian Wirtz can also play in a deeper role if required while Wataru Endo and youngster Trey Nyoni are considered as cover.
Stefan Bajcetic would undoubtedly have been in contention for a first-team role were it not for his ongoing injury issues, and the uncertainty over the Spaniard along with Endo and James McConnell could prompt reinforcement.
Contract talks are taking place with the representatives of Gravenberch, Szoboszlai and Mac Allister, while Jones’ current deal expires in 2027 and therefore an extension will be seen as a priority.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 27, 2025: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz is challenged by Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton during the FA Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Wharton would clearly fit the mould of a Liverpool midfielder, not only for the bite he can provide off the ball, but predominantly the supreme technical ability he has on it.
Able to take the ball on the half-turn and play through the lines, Wharton’s role as a deep-lying midfielder could free Gravenberch up to operate further forward and provide more stability in front of the back line.
He is still not the specialist No. 6 that many supporters have called for, but it is evident in Arne Slot‘s use of Endo that this is not necessarily the type of midfielder he favours.
The Big Debate
Should Liverpool target Adam Wharton for the summer?
With Wharton expected to leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season and an £80 million fee quoted, Liverpool have been credited with an interest in the line-splitting midfielder.
Do you want Liverpool to sign Adam Wharton? Let us know your pick in the comments below!