Any hope that was gathered in France when Liverpool swept past Marseille was scattered when Arne Slot's side took a trip to Bournemouth and saw their 13-game undefeated streak snapped.
Liverpool are in a real battle for a top-four (or even top-five) finish in the Premier League, with Chelsea and Manchester United improving after managerial dismissals and a whole host of further clubs just behind them, ready for a dogfight.
It seems Liverpool's transfer plans have been held in abeyance, with FSG unwilling to lodge silly-money offers for players who will provide a temporary fix, and who will not contribute toward the long-standing success of this Anfield team.
Many supporters feel (understandably) that a centre-back is needed this month, but the pointers suggest the Reds will hold fire. However, Liverpool are always ready to pounce on a market opportunity.
Liverpool leading race for Premier League star
Joe Gomez is injured again, having collided with Alisson Becker and been forced off at the Vitality. With Ibrahima Konate having missed the past two matches on compassionate leave, Liverpool's lack of defensive depth could not be any more stark.
fernandes-gomez-liverpool-west-ham
But FSG are indeed holding fire, waiting until the summer. With Marc Guehi having signed for Manchester City, that much is clear.
But sporting director Richard Hughes will pounce if the right opportunity materialises, and one may be emerging slightly further up the pitch.
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have emerged as potential frontrunners in the race for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who is said to have a loose agreement in place to leave Selhurst Park at the end of the season.
Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton during training
Many suitors have registered their interest, but Liverpool are at the top of the pile. The Three Lions star, 21 years old, has seen his interest piqued by the potential move to Merseyside, with informal talks opened by the Reds and other interested parties.
Wharton is one of the most coveted young midfielders in Europe, and he would not come cheap. Manchester United and Newcastle United are both showing strong interest, and while figures around £65-£80m have been floated, Palace could push for a package reaching the £100m mark.
Why Adam Wharton would be a star for Liverpool
Wharton won't come cheap, but Liverpool's reversal this season has probably rewritten the transfer script for 2026. This is not just a case of misfortune for a Liverpool side who marched with such purpose toward the Premier League title last season; Liverpool are in a rut, and Slot will know that missing out on Champions League football could spell the end of his tenure.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Wharton, of course, knows a thing or two about beating Liverpool. Of the four matches he has played against the Merseysiders, the technically gifted talent has won three times. The Eagles were once considered a bogey team for Liverpool, and that tag has resurfaced in recent seasons.
His is a profile Liverpool need. Dominik Szoboszlai has emerged as Liverpool's de facto leader in the centre of the park, but the Hungarian is not a deep-lying player, willing to sit back and instil control.
Alexis Mac Allister has also lost his touch, but Ryan Gravenberch has avoided more mainstream criticism this season, and the truth is that the silky Dutchman has been 'found out'.
That is not to say that he's lost his touch, but the 23-year-old excelled in a number six role for Liverpool last season, instrumental in the romp toward the title. This year, a more physical sheen to the Premier League, coupled with opposition tactics looking to negate Gravenberch's influence in the middle, have raised concerns as to whether he's the best fit going forward, anchoring the midfield.
Gravenberch
Gravenberch is still a fantastic player. After all, last year he was awarded the honour of the Young Premier League Player of the Year. But it's clear Liverpool need a new presence to help shield the backline and open roads toward the danger area. Liverpool have struggled in the build-up this season.
Wharton, who joined Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in January 2023, would offer the right tools to fashion such openings. He is one of the most intelligent and talented distributors in England, and journalist Henry Winter described him as a "passing machine" and the "best player on the pitch" when the south Londoners beat Aston Villa to secure their place in last year's FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Looking at the data, we can see that he matches Gravenberch's natural ease and energy, defending well and moving freely. But not at the expense of protection. Moreover, his passing far outstrips that of the Netherlands star, who lacks such penetrating passing. FotMob show that the Palace star has completed 48 long balls in the Premier League this year, whereas Gravenberch has only completed 14.
Adam Wharton vs Ryan Gravenberch (Premier League 25/26)
Stats (* per 90)
Matches (starts)
Goals + Assists
Touches*
Accurate passes*
Big chances created
Key passes*
Dribbles*
Ball recoveries*
Tackles + interceptions*
Duels (won)*
Data via Sofascore
There is not too much between them, but Wharton is clearly the more creative passer, whereas Gravenberch is a bit stronger in the duel.
Nonetheless, Wharton defends confidently, and his inferior crispness when passing boils down to stylistic differences. Liverpool's system demands calculated, slow build-up play.
England's Adam Wharton reacts
It is not as if Liverpool have not faced their share of adversity when defending this season. Wharton would need to be strong and steely. But his brain ticks to a more expansive passing game, and that's what Liverpool need to rekindle their dynamism on the ball and bypass those pesky low blocks, which are becoming the bane of Slot and the club at large's campaign.
fabinho-liverpool-premier-league-transfer-gossip-klopp-palhinha Related
£87m offer made: Liverpool submit bid to sign their new version of Fabinho
Liverpool could win their next Fabinho this month if this audacious £87m move comes to fruition.