Liverpool will hope to sign a top transfer target ahead of rivals Man United.placeholder image
Liverpool will hope to sign a top transfer target ahead of rivals Man United. | Getty Images
Liverpool may have set their sights on the ideal transfer target - but they face competition from an old rival.
Premier League champions Liverpool have not seen their title defence go to plan this term, with a disastrous run of form in the autumn leaving the Reds battling just to qualify for the Champions League for next season.
A convincing 3-0 win away at Marseille on Wednesday meant Arne Slot’s side continue to go strong in this season’s competition, sitting fourth with one match to play, with the top eight automatically qualifying for the last 16. In the Premier League, however, the Reds have drawn four successive games and some sections of the fanbase continue to call for Slot to be relieved of his duties as head coach. Despite their record-breaking £450m outlay last summer, the idea persists that improvements are needed in certain areas of the pitch.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, then, the club continue to be linked with prospective transfer targets amidst the January transfer window this month, but their top target for next summer may already have been identified.
Liverpool & Manchester United set to lock horns over Adam Wharton transfer
While Liverpool’s priority in the transfer market is thought to be a new centre-back amidst links with Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, the Reds would reportedly be keen to move for Wharton if the Eagles are willing to cash in, with an £80m fee for the 21-year-old floated by Mail Sport.
United, meanwhile, have been tipped for a midfield overhaul for some time and will hope to make huge strides towards achieving that next summer. Wharton has been touted as a top target alongside the likes of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest and England star Elliot Anderson. Therefore, a major transfer battle between arch-rivals Liverpool and United could be set to ensue for Wharton in summer 2026.
Wharton transfer battle may be a defining moment of next summer
During Liverpool’s major dip in form earlier in the season, a striking feature in their play at times was how easily they can be attacked in transition. While this has largely been due to inconsistent performances in defence, a drop-off in performance by Alexis Mac Allister has been noticeable and Ryan Gravenberch has struggled to hit the heights he reached last term.
The addition of Wharton, therefore, who offers supreme control in possession and the defensive awareness to shut out opposition attacks, could provide the perfect solution. The England international also possesses a playmaking ability from deep which has arguably been lacking since the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid in the summer, while his six-foot stature offers a height advantage from defensive set pieces in comparison with the diminutive Mac Allister.
The value which Wharton would represent to Liverpool is clear, but if there is arguably one team who needs him more, it is United. Following Casemiro’s announcement that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season, signing two top-quality midfielders is probably a necessity for the Red Devils next summer if they are to return to challenging for the top honours under their next permanent manager.
Wharton would be the perfect midfield signing for Liverpool next summer – but they may need to act fast if they are to get there before their biggest rivals.
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