Liverpool appear to have made an early move on what could be one of the biggest midfield transfer talks of the summer, with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton emerging as a top target.
According to talkSPORT, the Reds are currently leading the race to sign the highly-rated England international, but with competition from Manchester United and Real Madrid, nothing will be easy.
Since joining Crystal Palace, Wharton has made rapid progress and has become one of the most exciting young midfielders in English football.
His contract runs until June 2029 and Palace remain in a strong position, reportedly demanding at least £80m to consider selling their prized asset.
This rating indicates both his current performance and long-term potential, making him one of the most valuable young midfielders on the market.
Adam Wharton’s rise to power at Crystal Palace has been impressive
Wharton’s development over the past year has been incredible.
His composure, vision and ability to dictate the tempo on the ball have been compared to some of England’s best deep-sided midfielders.
He doesn’t just pass the ball, he controls the rhythm of the game, often perfectly positioned to receive the ball and distribute it effectively.
His passing range allows him to switch plays quickly and his great defensive awareness allows him to definitely contribute when his team doesn’t have the ball.
Liverpool among clubs interested in midfielder
Liverpool’s interest makes perfect sense when viewed through the lens of the ongoing evolution of their midfield.
Over the past few seasons, the club has revamped much of its midfield and brought in young players to build a more dynamic and sustainable squad.
Wharton fits that profile perfectly, being young, technically gifted and already has Premier League experience.
But Liverpool aren’t the only ones praising them. Manchester United are also thought to be monitoring Wharton as part of a long-term midfield rebuild.
Wharton’s skillset makes him an attractive option as the club looks to inject creativity and stability into the middle of the pitch.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s involvement highlights how highly regarded he is across Europe. The Spanish giants are known for identifying elite midfield talent early on, and their reported interest suggests Wharton’s reputation extends far beyond England.
Any club wanting to secure his services will likely need to pay more than the reported £80m asking price.
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