Liverpool are in need of midfield reinforcement and will need two if Alexis Mac Allister leaves, with Emile Heskey now running the rule over what the Reds need this summer.
The former Liverpool forward named Adam Wharton as the ideal signing in the engine room this summer.
Despite being excluded from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup, Wharton remains one of the very most talented midfielders in the Premier League.
His creativity and preference for expansive football would make the perfect match for Liverpool’s new direction under Andoni Iraola. Still, the small matter of his £80m price tag makes it a rather difficult signing to complete.
Nonetheless, it would be very interesting to see what he could do in Iraola’s system. Given that Liverpool are likely to go back to a more direct style of play, Wharton’s vision and passing would be extremely valuable to Liverpool.
He’s not the most physical midfielder, and Liverpool do need to become more rigorous in the engine room, but his playmaking more than makes up for any defensive shortcomings.
Liverpool told to sign Wharton
When asked which areas of the Liverpool squad are most in need of transfers, Heskey explained in depth, highlighting Wharton as a particularly important signing.
“Well, centre-back is definitely a role that needs addressing with Ibrahima Konate gone now,” said Heskey. “Though we’ve got the young lad – Gio [Giovanni] Leoni – coming back through who was injured. They also have Jeremy Jacquet who joined this summer.
“I also think Liverpool could do with a midfielder, to be honest with you. I think Alexis Mac Allister is fantastic, but they need someone who can rival him or even take his place – maybe Adam Wharton at Crystal Palace.
“He missed out at the World Cup but his time will come.”
Mac Allister tipped for exit
Recent reports from Spain have seen it said that Mac Allister believes his time in the Premier League is over, as he considers leaving for a new project in a new league after seven years in England.
If he did leave, Wharton would be an interesting replacement even if they’re not the same type of player.
Neither is blessed with pace, but both have a great technical skillset, with Wharton arguably the better passer while Mac Allister is more defensively inclined.
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.