Could Curtis Jones Be Leaving Liverpool as Adam Wharton Arrives?

Could today’s transfer speculation be pointing towards a major change in Liverpool’s midfield?

That is the question Liverpool supporters will be asking after Inter Milan’s renewed interest in Curtis Jones and the latest reports linking the Reds with Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.

And honestly?

I would be very happy with that swap.

Recent reports suggest Inter are preparing another approach for Jones, with Liverpool reportedly lowering their asking price to around €35 million (£30m). 

At the same time, Wharton has been repeatedly linked with Liverpool, with reports previously suggesting the Reds have registered their interest in the Palace midfielder. 

Could we therefore be looking at a scenario where Jones leaves and Wharton comes in?

Jones could finally be heading for the exit

The Curtis Jones situation has become increasingly interesting.

Inter have been interested throughout the summer and, with their midfield situation changing, the Italian giants are expected to return with an improved proposal.

Liverpool reportedly want around £30m for Jones, which could make a deal considerably more realistic. 

There has also been growing speculation that there could be movement around Jones before the transfer window closes. 

For a player who has spent his entire career at Liverpool, it would obviously be a significant moment.

But perhaps the time has come for both parties to consider a fresh start.

And then there is Adam Wharton

This is where things become really interesting.

Wharton is exactly the type of midfielder I would love to see Liverpool bring into Iraola’s team.

He’s young, technically gifted, comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and capable of controlling games from deeper midfield positions.

He has also already accumulated significant Premier League experience despite being only 22. 

Liverpool have reportedly been interested in him for months, with previous reports putting Palace’s asking price at around £80m. 

That’s a huge fee.

But if Liverpool genuinely believe Wharton can become a long-term midfield leader, it could be an investment worth making.

Wharton could give Iraola something different

This is the main reason I’d be excited.

Jones and Wharton aren’t really like-for-like replacements.

Jones is technically excellent and can carry the ball, but Wharton could give Liverpool more control from deeper areas.

Imagine a midfield built around:

Wharton + Gravenberch

with Szoboszlai and Wirtz operating further forward.

Suddenly you have a midfield capable of combining physicality, athleticism, creativity and control.

Wharton could sit in front of the defence, receive the ball from the centre-backs and dictate the tempo.

That could allow Wirtz to concentrate on what he does best — creating.

It would be a big decision

Of course, Liverpool shouldn’t sell Jones simply to bring in another midfielder.

There needs to be a genuine belief that Wharton makes the squad better.

And there is also the financial question.

Selling Jones for around £30m and potentially spending a much larger amount on Wharton would represent a significant investment.

But Liverpool aren’t simply looking for short-term solutions.

They are building a new era under Iraola.

And if the club believe Wharton can be the midfield controller for the next five or ten years, that changes the calculation.

I’d be happy with it

Personally, if Liverpool told me tomorrow:

Curtis Jones has left for Inter and Adam Wharton has arrived from Crystal Palace…

I’d be pretty happy.

That’s not because I don’t rate Jones.

He’s a Liverpool academy graduate, a talented footballer and someone who has produced some excellent performances in a red shirt.

But sometimes a squad needs refreshing.

And Wharton could potentially give Iraola a different dimension.

At 22, he also fits perfectly into the long-term project.

Liverpool could be building something special

The really exciting part is imagining what Iraola could do with this midfield.

Wharton controlling.

Gravenberch driving forward.

Szoboszlai providing energy.

Wirtz creating.

And then you’ve got Alexander Isak leading an attack that could potentially include Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha.

That’s a frightening amount of talent.

Could Jones out and Wharton in actually happen?

We shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves.

There is currently no confirmed agreement for Jones to leave or Wharton to join Liverpool.

But today’s speculation has certainly made the possibility worth discussing.

Inter want Jones.

Liverpool have long been linked with Wharton.

And if Liverpool decide that Jones’ future lies elsewhere, Wharton could be the perfect opportunity to reshape the midfield for Iraola’s football.

For me, it would be a gamble worth taking.

Jones leaving would be emotional.

Wharton arriving would be exciting.

And if Liverpool genuinely believe the Palace midfielder can become one of the Premier League’s best midfielders, I would be very happy to see this particular piece of business happen. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)