Liverpool
Liverpool close in on Adam Wharton as summer rebuild takes shape
Liverpool seem to be moving fast to beat the competition for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. With the 2026/27 season approaching, transfer insider Matteo Moretto reports that Liverpool are already in “advanced talks” with the 22-year-old. The club reportedly accelerated their approach to jump ahead of Real Madrid, which has long been a fan of the midfielder. The story originally broke in the Spanish newspaper Marca and has since gained serious traction across European media.
Sources have told TEAMtalk that the deal will likely happen in the £70m mark. If that happens, it would be a record sale for Crystal Palace, just edging out the £68m Arsenal spent on Eberechi Eze last summer. The move makes a lot of sense for Liverpool right now.
Curtis Jones looks more and more likely to move on from Anfield, with several sources saying contract talks have hit a wall, while Alexis Mac Allister has had a tough run of form by his usual standards. Wharton played 46 times for Palace this year and is said to be ready for a fresh start. It’s unlikely the Eagles would stand in his way if the right money is put on the table.
Liverpool have also been doing their homework on Wharton’s background. Their existing ties with his agency, Omnisports, who also look after an 18-year-old striker recently brought into Liverpool’s academy, might give them the upper hand over Manchester United and other interested teams.
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Does Wharton actually solve Liverpool’s midfield problems for next season?
Wharton clearly has talent, but he isn’t without his flaws. He created 13 big chances for Palace this season, putting him fourth in the Premier League, and he can play as both a number six and a number eight. That level of creativity is exactly what’s been missing from Liverpool’s midfield lately. On the flip side, he only wins about 49.6% of his duels per 90 minutes. Ranking in the 33rd percentile for challenges raises some valid concerns about how he handles himself defensively at the top level.
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For Arne Slot’s system to work in Europe next year, Liverpool need a midfielder who can do it all, create goals and win the ball back. Wharton definitely has the creative side covered, but he hasn’t yet proven he can handle the defensive workload required for a Champions League side. Still, for £70m, his age and potential make this a gamble that’s probably worth taking.