Liverpool could do with addressing their midfield during the transfer window in 2026 as they aim for another refresh.
The Reds spent heavily in the summer of 2023 to overhaul their options in the middle of the pitch, with the work done proving to be a huge success.
Three years on, and Liverpool are not desperate for another big-money addition, but the arrival of competition for Ryan Gravenberch in holding midfield is something many supporters would like to see.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
Tottenham want a British transfer record for Micky van de Ven! Surely there are cheaper alternatives? 😵💫
Micky van de Ven in action for Tottenham Hotspur during their UEFA Champions League match against Slavia Prague at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Within that, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton has emerged as a preference for many fans. The 21-year-old has developed into one of the most in-demand midfielders in the Premier League after an excellent two years at Selhurst Park.
Recent reports have suggested that Wharton has a gentleman’s agreement to leave Crystal Palace, and according to the Daily Mail, that is set to be honoured this summer, with Liverpool keen to take advantage.
Adam Wharton expected to leave Crystal Palace
Palace have had a tough couple of weeks in the January transfer market. After former Liverpool target Marc Guehi joined Manchester City, manager Oliver Glasner confirmed he will depart at the end of the campaign.
To make matters worse, Jean-Philippe Mateta is also pushing to leave before the end of the month.
Adam Wharton spreads his arms during Crystal Palace's Premier League match against Fulham at Selhurst Park.
Photo by Izzy Poles – AMA/Getty Images
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
READ MORE: Why Micky van de Ven is ‘delaying’ contract talks with Tottenham as Liverpool lurk
As per the Mail, Wharton is expected to be next in the departures lounge. They claim that there is a ‘widespread belief’ within the football industry that the England international will leave this year.
Sources have reportedly indicated that Liverpool would be interested in a move should Wharton become available.
They would not be the only ones, however, and it’s claimed that ‘many teams’ would rival the Reds, with a fee of around £80m being mooted.
Which missed centre-back transfer will Liverpool regret the most and why?
Jeremy Jacquet points and smiles at the crowd after Rennes' Ligue 1 match against Paris FC (Credit: Getty Images/Jean Catuffe).
Marc Guehi warms up ahead of Crystal Palace's Carabao Cup match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Vince Mignott/MB Media).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Jean Catuffe/Vince Mignott/MB Media
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Do Liverpool really need to spend £80m on Wharton?
After three years of inactivity, and with Slot not keen on Wataru Endo, Liverpool do need to do something to bolster their midfield this summer.
However, there does not feel to be a great need to spend such a big sum on a player who may not even start moving forward.
The trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai have an average age of only 25, and despite a dip in form from Mac Allister especially, they are all still elite midfielders.
Wharton would be a brilliant addition to add competition, but Liverpool could surely find a player to do a similar job for half the fee.
Just like last summer, the Reds have left themselves with plenty to do in the market, and this feels like £80m which may be put to better use elsewhere.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox