In an intriguing twist, reports indicate that Liverpool are on the cusp of signing Adam Wharton, the Crystal Palace starlet who’s also a prime target for Real Madrid. This potential coup comes amid a downturn at Selhurst Park, with Crystal Palace languishing in the Premier League and having already parted ways with ex-captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City earlier this month.
Further compounding Palace’s woes, head coach Oliver Glasner has announced his intention to depart in the summer, while forward Jean-Philippe Mateta is reportedly considering a move to Aston Villa during this transfer window.
Wharton, an England international aged just 21, is emerging as an attractive proposition beyond Anfield, with Manchester United also rumoured to be interested as part of their squad restructuring efforts. Yet, Nicolo Schira broke the news of Liverpool’s advances, noting that Wharton has expressed his desire to join the Merseyside club on a five-year contract.
While Liverpool’s recent £400 million squad overhaul has yet to return them to previous glories, with defensive frailties evident, securing Wharton’s services would represent a significant capture. The midfield prodigy is seen as one of England’s leading young talents, further underlining the ambition of manager Xabi Alonso, who is said to be planning major reinforcements to reestablish Liverpool as a title contender.
A Spanish report asserts that Liverpool is offering €100 million (£86 million) to tempt Crystal Palace, which would also allow Wharton to stay with his current club until season’s end—a strategic move likely driven by the player’s own enthusiasm for the transfer. This would leave Real Madrid, who are under financial constraints, on the back foot as they deem Palace’s valuation excessive.
The pending transfer is part of a larger narrative at Liverpool, including speculation over the future of manager Arne Slot, with Steven Gerrard linked as a short-term replacement, and nostalgia around former standout Sadio Mane. Despite their current turmoil, Liverpool seems determined to regain their former stature, with Wharton central to these plans.