An emerging midfield talent has shown he is ready to join Liverpool.
Sporting director Richard Hughes is expected to prioritise strengthening the midfield in the next transfer window. However, much will depend on where Liverpool finish in the Premier League standings.
At present, qualification for the Champions League looks likely which will increase Liverpool’s budget and pulling power.
Anfield Watch understands the club has already assembled an ambitious shortlist of midfield targets. There are a lot of names under consideration at the moment.
However, as we get closer and closer to the summer, Hughes and his recruitment team are working on whittling those numbers down.
Given the uncertainty around some of the club’s current players with contract talks stalling with Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones entering his final year, the Reds will be in the market for at least two midfielders – perhaps more if the two aforementioned players both leave.
One of the players on the club’s radar is Adam Wharton. He has been closely monitored by the club’s scouts ever since he emerged as an outstanding prospect at Blackburn Rovers.
Wharton broke onto the scene alongside Tyler Morton, who was on loan from Liverpool at the time, during the 2022/23 season and the Reds’ scouts have been huge admirers of the England international ever since.
It is understood that Crystal Palace would like to demand at least £80m for Wharton’s services, which is a significant outlay.
However, given Wharton’s age and what he offers, this is a deal that Liverpool are probably open to doing – even at such a high price.
The Reds lost Trent Alexander-Arnold last summer, and with him they have struggled both in their build-up and creativity.
When it comes to distribution and helping to progress the ball from deep, while also creating chances – the closest thing to Trent in the Premier League right now is Wharton.
Wharton showcased that against Liverpool at the weekend, and in the process confirmed he’s absolutely ready to join the Reds.
Despite Palace losing 3-1, it was Wharton who created the most chances on the pitch (3). He also completed five passes into the final third, two out of three long passes, and was constantly looking to play in through the lines to penetrate Liverpool’s defence.
Wharton’s composure shone through in the fact that he also completed the most dribbles (3) on the pitch.
Considering this was a game where his side didn’t have as much of the ball (just 47% possession) these numbers are extremely impressive.
In a more ball-dominant side like Liverpool, Wharton showed at Anfield on Saturday that he could be an even bigger asset.
He’s got the mineral to go very far, and he clearly wasn’t fazed by the prospect of playing on the hallowed ground.