Liverpool like Adam Wharton but will need to look elsewhere with it yet to be reported that the Reds are willing to pay Crystal Palace’s asking price.
According to journalist David Lynch, Wharton is a player of interest to Liverpool but it’s not clear yet if he is a player that fits Iraola’s vision for Liverpool based on their current squad.
“What I can say again in terms of my understanding on Wharton is I know for a fact they’ve[Liverpool] liked him for a while. It’s all about what Crystal Palace want,” Lynch added, before continuing: “I know he’s been a long-term target, but I don’t know whether Liverpool consider him a good fit for Iraola football.”
Iraola plays a frantic, high-paced football with a high emphasis on winning second balls and high pressing. It’s a very aggressive and front-foot approach, but it’s exactly what Liverpool fans were crying out for during the mundane style of football since Arne Slot’s second season.
However, is Wharton the biggest midfield need Liverpool have right now? You could make a case for either side, really.
Adam Wharton is a baller, pass it on.
? @CPFC pic.twitter.com/0r3dyvWwZJ
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 29, 2026
What do Liverpool need in the midfield transfer market?
What Liverpool need this summer will change depending on which midfielders they plan to keep. There have been fresh suggestions that Curtis Jones could leave the club while Alexis Mac Allister’s future at Anfield remains subject to debate.
Ryan Gravenberch was underwhelming last season, but his massive new contract means that he will be trusted to turn things around with a bright future ahead of the 24-year-old.
Dominik Szoboszlai was the best midfielder at Liverpool last season, while Florian Wirtz didn’t do nearly as badly as the general consensus would suggest. The £116m playmaker will likely thrive under Iraola’s attacking style of play.
Wharto, while talented and more than good enough for Liverpool, he is not the ball-winner this engine room is crying out for.
His forward-thinking passing is something Wirtz or Szoboszlai can provide but what Liverpool need before any more playmakers are signed is an elite level defensive midfielder.
If Iraola is given this and a superstar attacker to replace Mohamed Salah, it could be an exciting maiden Anfield season for the Spanish coach.