Rumours linking Liverpool with Adam Wharton have once again sprung up, with claims being made that the Reds have made signing the Crystal Palace star their top priority.
After the Yan Diomande transfer hunt ended without success, Liverpool have reportedly turned their attention to PSG star Bradley Barcola, although a new claim suggests that the Merseysiders could end the summer without signing either winger.
While, from the outside looking in, it appears as though the priority is signing a world class wide attacker to replace Mohamed Salah, it would appear as though new manager Andoni Iraola is also focused on adding more quality into his midfield ahead of the new Premier League season.
With the new campaign only beginning for Liverpool on the 23rd of August, there is plenty of time for them to get their transfer ducks in a row, so to speak, but the clock is ticking.
Liverpool make signing Adam Wharton their summer transfer priority despite the money involved
A report from Ben Jacobs in late June suggested that Liverpool were not active in their admiration of Wharton.
“There is some appreciation there. But it’s not moving, I’m told, as it stands,” he told talkSPORT. “It would be a surprise at this stage if Liverpool enter the race for Adam Wharton.
“You can never say never in a window where Liverpool are going to be looking for a midfielder, but at this stage, nothing is moving between Liverpool and Adam Wharton.”
Now, that appears to have changed. Football Transfers reports that Liverpool have made £80m-rated Wharton their top target this summer and will do everything they can to sign him.
Is Wharton what Liverpool need in midfield?
There is no debating Wharton’s quality. That’s not where I’m going with this.
Rather the question should be: Does Wharton match the profile of the type of midfielder most lacking at Anfield?
To that, I would say no. Liverpool, particularly with Iraola now at the helm, need more aggression and fight in their midfield. There is already a lot of technical quality between Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, but what is missing is someone whose only desire is to win the ball and move it on to someone else.
That said, I would still love to see him at Anfield.
Michael first started supporting Liverpool after Istanbul in 2006. He has since followed the Reds with passion and curiosity, founding Rousing the Kop, Anfield Central while briefly co-owning Anfield Watch. Michael lives in Cape Town, South Africa.