Latest Liverpool transfer news as one midfielder leaving could open the door for Adam Wharton to arrive
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Tyler Morton of Liverpool during the final training session of the season
Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton has posted a cryptic message on Instagram with his Anfield future set to become a talking point again this summer. One of those to respond to this latest note is friend and former teammate Adam Wharton, who has coincidentally found himself linked with arriving at the club recently.
Morton played five times all season for the Reds, none of those in the Premier League, so he was not owed a title winners' medal when Arne Slot's team collected the trophy on Sunday but was still welcomed into the celebrations that followed. Last summer the 22-year-old was valued at £20m and was subject to a loan offer from Bayer Leverkusen, but Liverpool resisted and kept him as cover.
With the transfer window opening again in four days' time, the club and the Wallasey-born midfielder himself will have to decide if they are to walk the same path.
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Amid the possibility he may leave, Morton has posted a message on Instagram that has the tone of a goodbye.
"Growing up, I watched this club every chance I got, always by the side of my family. Supporting it wasn’t just about football, it was about sharing something special with the people who’ve supported and cared for me throughout my life.
"To see the joy on everyone’s faces when we lifted the trophy… it was the proudest moment I’ve ever felt as a footballer. Thank you to everyone for your incredible support, as always. [red heart emoji].
"You’ll Never Walk Alone."
Spotted in the replies to the post showing their support was Palace technician Wharton, who commented: "Unreal brother [red heart emoji]."
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton replied to Tyler Morton on Instagram
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton replied to Tyler Morton on Instagram(Image: Instagram: @tylermorton6)
Now, this is not just a one-off interaction, it must be remembered that the pair were able to strike up a bond during the first part of the 2023/24 campaign after Morton had signed for Blackburn Rovers on loan. They were selected in 27 match squads together, sharing the field 14 times, before Wharton was successfully scouted and signed by the Eagles in January of last year for £22m.
It would be bittersweet irony were the midfield duo to miss out on a Liverpool reunion in the circumstance that one leaves whilst the other arrives, but Morton's lack of minutes under Slot proves that his chances would only be further limited if another candidate is signed.
In the report from The Daily Mail earlier in May, it was claimed Palace would be seeking £60m if they are to let their 21-year-old move on to a rival. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea's names were included alongside the Reds'.
After winning the FA Cup Palace have Europa League football to offer next season in the hope they can fend off interest.
After the cup success against Manchester City, pundit Roy Keane commented: "He's a classy little player, he always looks like he knows what he's doing.
"Very classy, played well in the semi-final, I know he's been linked with bigger clubs, I like everything about him.
"There's parts he still needs to improve on but if he's given time, really nice and tidy."
While Warton would cost around £60m, Liverpool look to be closing in on the signing on Florian Wirtz for a club-record fee. The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder is valued at around £120m.