Liverpool have been linked with Adam Wharton for some time, and those links are not going away as the summer transfer window approaches.
The Crystal Palace midfielder has continued to build a strong reputation in the Premier League, and there is now a growing sense that a new challenge could arrive sooner rather than later.
Palace will not be short of Wharton interest if they decide to entertain offers, with several top teams expected to be watching the situation closely. Liverpool’s stance has now become clearer, and he is one of the midfielders firmly under consideration at Anfield.
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Adam Wharton ‘near the top’ of Liverpool’s transfer shortlist
Wharton is exactly the kind of player Liverpool have been expected to admire.
He is young, technically secure and already proven in the Premier League. At 22, he also fits the age profile Liverpool usually target when they are looking to build for the long term.
David Lynch has provided the latest on Liverpool’s interest on his YouTube channel.
He says: “It’s still clear that they like him a lot and they are going to make signings in midfield this summer and I would expect, for that reason, that Wharton would be near the top of the list for Liverpool.
“I don’t think we can quite guarantee that they will absolutely go for him. But definitely a player who is on Liverpool’s radar as a potential midfield signing coming into this.”
That does not make a deal certain. It does, however, confirm that this is one that could happen.
The appeal is obvious. Wharton is calm in possession, progressive with his passing and comfortable taking the ball under pressure.
Liverpool do need more control in midfield. They have lacked a natural tempo-setter at times, and Wharton would bring a level of composure that could suit Arne Slot’s side.
Still, there is a fair concern here. Jamie Carragher has raised doubts about Wharton’s physicality. Liverpool already lack a bit of power and running ability in midfield. Wharton would not obviously solve that issue, and he may even be less of a runner than some of the options already in the squad.
That does not mean Liverpool should avoid him. Elite sides have shown how important a top-class number six can be, with Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal all built around midfielders who can dictate games.
Declan Rice is slightly more of an eight than a pure six, but his impact at Arsenal still underlines the point. Control in midfield is a necessity.
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If Liverpool go for Wharton, they surely need another midfielder of a very different profile as well. A destroyer, closer to Fabinho in his prime, would balance things out far better.
The 22-year-old is talented enough to be worth the chase. But Liverpool cannot just add silk without also adding steel.
From the sound of things, this is a story that could move quickly. Do not be surprised if bids start flying in the coming weeks.
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