Liverpool’s pursuit of Adam Wharton appears to be gathering serious momentum.
According to a report from El Nacional, Liverpool are now in negotiations with Crystal Palace over a potential move for the England midfielder, with a transfer to Anfield described as a real possibility before the window closes.
Palace are reportedly demanding more than £78m for the 22-year-old, while Real Madrid have apparently cooled their interest because of the asking price.
If accurate, this would represent a major development in Liverpool’s attempts to strengthen Iraola’s midfield.
Liverpool have already made contact
This latest report follows claims that Liverpool have made direct contact with Crystal Palace regarding Wharton.
Football365 reported earlier this week that the Reds had made a direct call to Palace after Manchester United had also made an enquiry.
So this isn’t simply a case of Liverpool being mentioned alongside Wharton.
The Reds appear to be actively exploring a deal.
And with Curtis Jones’ future still uncertain and questions surrounding the balance of Liverpool’s midfield, Wharton’s arrival could make a lot of sense.
Why Wharton?
Wharton is exactly the type of midfielder Liverpool could use.
He’s comfortable playing as a deeper midfielder and possesses the technical ability to dictate play while also providing defensive protection.
That could be particularly important for Iraola.
We’ve already seen during pre-season that Liverpool can look extremely dangerous when their press is working, but they can also become vulnerable when opponents break through that first wave.
A player capable of sitting in front of the defence and helping Liverpool regain control could be invaluable.
£78m is a lot of money
There’s no getting away from this.
£78m+ is an enormous amount for a midfielder.
Palace are in a very strong negotiating position because Wharton is under contract until 2029, and previous reports have suggested their valuation could be even higher.
Liverpool therefore have to decide whether Wharton is good enough to justify that kind of investment.
For me, if the club genuinely believe he’s the midfielder who can solve the defensive balance problem, then spending big on him makes more sense than simply buying another attacking player.
Could Wharton replace Curtis Jones?
This is where things get particularly interesting.
Liverpool’s midfield situation could potentially change dramatically before the window closes.
Curtis Jones could leave.
Adam Wharton could arrive.
And suddenly Liverpool would have a very different midfield profile.
Rather than simply replacing Jones position-for-position, Wharton could give Iraola something Liverpool arguably don’t currently have:
a natural defensive-minded midfielder capable of controlling the space in front of the back four.
Imagine a midfield containing:
Wharton — Gravenberch — Szoboszlai
with Mac Allister also competing for a starting position.
That gives Iraola plenty of options.
Real Madrid cooling their interest is significant
If Real Madrid really have stepped back because of Palace’s valuation, Liverpool could potentially have an opportunity.
Real Madrid have been long-term admirers of Wharton, so removing one of Europe’s biggest clubs from the equation would certainly help the Reds.
But Liverpool won’t be the only club watching.
Manchester United have also been linked, while Wharton has attracted interest from several major European clubs.
If Liverpool really want him, they may have to move quickly.
Would I pay £78m?
This is where opinions will differ.
Personally, I would be very happy if Liverpool signed Wharton.
But £78m is a huge investment and Liverpool have other areas of the squad that still need attention.
We need full-backs.
We need defensive depth.
We potentially need another winger.
And with Ekitike’s injury situation, another number nine has also been discussed.
So Liverpool cannot simply spend £80m without considering the bigger picture.
However, if Jones leaves and Liverpool receive a substantial fee, suddenly the Wharton deal becomes much easier to understand.
The midfield could be changing
The next couple of weeks could tell us a lot about Liverpool’s plans.
For months, Wharton has been linked with the Reds.
Now we’re hearing about direct contact and negotiations.
If Liverpool really can agree a deal with Palace, Wharton could become one of the biggest signings of the summer.
And if Curtis Jones leaves at the same time, it could feel like one major piece of Liverpool’s midfield puzzle being removed and another being put into place.
Jones out.
Wharton in.
Would I be happy with that?
Absolutely.
Wharton could give Iraola the defensive stability and control that Liverpool have been missing — and if the manager can get that balance right, this could become a seriously exciting Liverpool team.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
Leave a Reply