Arne Slot doesn’t need ‘outstanding’ ace, even though it’s clear that he wants him at Liverpool

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Liverpool have been linked with a whole host of players over the last few months.

Although the transfer window is now closed, that hasn’t stopped potential transfer rumours from making their way to the surface.

The Reds spent over £450million on improving their first-team squad during the summer, and, even though many thought they’d be untouchable, they’re now on a three-game losing streak.

Not only does this show that there are areas within their squad that Liverpool could improve, but it also shows that fans think they still need a couple of new players to be brought in.

As mentioned, many players have been linked with a Liverpool switch recently, but on the face of things, they don’t actually need one of the players they’ve long been linked with.

Liverpool don’t actually need to sign Adam Wharton this summer

Adam Wharton’s future was brought into question on several occasions during the summer transfer window.

Although no moves came to fruition, the fact that Liverpool were even being linked with a world-class defensive midfielder was puzzling.

At the moment, it’s being reported that Crystal Palace would accept around £60million to sell their star man, but if Liverpool were the ones to pay that sort of fee, it would come as quite a shock.

Ryan Gravenberch has quickly become one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, and while the arrival of Wharton would relieve some of the pressure from the Dutchman’s shoulders, it would be hard for Slot to choose who to start in each game.

That is, especially since they both deserve to be regular Premier League starters.

Liverpool also have Stefan Bajcetic and James McConnell to fall back on in the future

Not only would the arrival of Wharton likely cause Gravenberch to get annoyed about having less game time, but it would also hinder the progress of Stefan Bajcetic and James McConnell.

At the moment, it feels like the Liverpool academy duo are both in line to be Gravenberch’s back-ups over the next couple of years.

Sure, at the moment, that’s Wataru Endo’s job, but once his current contract expires, it’s hard to see why Liverpool would extend the 32-year-old’s contract, especially with the performances he’s put in this season.

Bajcetic is still floating around the Reds’ ranks, while, in the 2025-26 season, McConnell is trying to prove his worth while out on loan.

All of these things must be taken into consideration before Liverpool choose to make a move for Wharton, even if he has been dubbed “outstanding” by Declan Rice.

Because, at the end of the day, that £60million feels like it could be used to reinforce much more needed areas than defensive midfield.