Crystal Palace‘s Adam Wharton is back in the headlines after his trophy-winning performance, while Andoni Iraola is reportedly “interested” in a move to Liverpool.
Crystal Palace in “strong position” to retain Adam Wharton
Wharton’s impressive performance in Crystal Palace‘s Europa Conference League triumph has seen his future re-emerge as a topic of interest.
Liverpool and Man United are known admirers of the midfielder, but BBC‘s Sami Mokbel reports that Crystal Palace are in a “strong position” to retain his services for at least one more season.
The 22-year-old, who was left out of England’s World Cup squad, still has three years remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park. Although we all know money talks eventually.
England's Adam Wharton during an international friendly at St. James' Park, Newcastle. Picture date: Monday June 3, 2024. (Mike Egerton/PA)
Mokbel adds that the Eagles are “open to offering Wharton an improved deal,” but, crucially for Liverpool, it is “unclear” whether the player is “keen” to engage with interest from other clubs.
Sky Sports also states that Crystal Palace “want to try and convince” Wharton to stay and compete in the Europa League with them next season.
Wharton is valued at upwards of £80 million, and after their experience with Marc Guehi last summer, Liverpool will need to give themselves plenty of time if a deal is their objective this summer.
LFC News: Iraola ‘interested’ in Liverpool job & Conor Bradley latest
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 24, 2026: Bournemouth's manager Andoni Iraola during a post-match press conference after the FA Premier League match between Bournemouth AFC and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. Bournemouth won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Andy Robertson has agreed to join Tottenham this summer after turning down an offer from Juventus. It’s going to be rather strange to see him in opposition colours at Anfield…
• Sky Sports made the interesting claim that Andoni Iraola is “interested” in the Liverpool job, which we keep being told is not up for grabs. He’ll surely know the lay of the land being close to Richard Hughes!
• Conor Bradley is making “progress” in his recovery from a serious knee injury, but he too did not offer any potential return timeline. Let’s hope it’s pre-season
• Giorgi Mamardashvili has reportedly been offered to sides on loan with Alisson expected to stay for another season. If that doesn’t sum up the poor squad planning, what does?
• Confirmed transfer target Yan Diomande has made it known he has an ambition to play “for a big club” as he refused to rule out a move this summer. It’d be nice for Liverpool to get it done quickly, if he’s their No. 1 target (So Foot)
STATS: Liverpool’s top 10 players of 2025/26
Liverpool’s performances were disjointed and lacked identity throughout the season, but there was always a clear No. 1 performer.
FotMob’s data supports Dominik Szoboszlai sitting at the top of Liverpool’s rankings, but there was quite the slide for Mo Salah after his fewest league goal contributions in a single campaign (14).
Football News: Gordon on cusp of transfer as Barcelona also eye Alvarez
• Anthony Gordon has flown to Spain to undergo his medical with Barcelona ahead of signing a five-year contract. Sky Sports report an official announcement is expected on Friday or Saturday
• Barcelona, who we’re always told have no money, are also in talks to sign Julian Alvarez, with an offer around €100 million expected. He’d be an ideal player for Liverpool! (The Athletic)
• Remember Southampton defender Jose Fonte? He has announced his retirement at the age of 42. He finished his career back in Portugal with Casa Pia
• **Crystal Palace**‘s Europa Conference League success means nine Premier League clubs will compete in Europe again next season, which likely means fewer Saturday fixtures as per BBC
Liverpool FC: On this day
BLACKBURN, ENGLAND - Thursday, July 19, 2018: Liverpool's Fabio Henrique Tavares 'Fabinho' during a preseason friendly match between Blackburn Rovers FC and Liverpool FC at Ewood Park. (Pic by Paul Greenwood/Propaganda)
On this day in 2018, Liverpool announced the signing of Fabinho, just days after the disappointment of the Champions League final defeat.
This was one of the rare times in the modern era where you were caught off guard by the announcement, with the news kept off the radar of reporters.
It would be fun to have another in the future!
Fabinho signed for an initial £39 million from Monaco, playing 219 times as a key cog in Jurgen Klopp‘s midfield. It’s just a shame he ran out of steam when he did!