Liverpool is reportedly interested in signing Crystal Palace young midfielder Adam Wharton during the January transfer period, but sources suggest that the move is unlikely to occur.
According to football insiders, the palace sees Wharton as an important part of Oliver Glasner’s plan.
With Wharton on a contract until 2029, the South London Club is extremely reluctant to sell in the mid-season window. The message is clear and Liverpool will have to wait.
Wharton is tied to a contract that will run until 2029. This not only will the palace take control of his future, but will raise prices. As reported, he will need a “huge fee” to release him in January. That’s an asset they don’t want to lose cheaply.
Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton is in high demand
There have been reports that Wharton is not just about Liverpool’s radar, but several other Premier League and European clubs are interested. That demand increases his value, but also gives the palace less leverage to entertain lower offers.
However, Pete O’Rourke confirmed in January that Palace has no plans to sell its midfielder.
He said:
“The palace rarely entertains Wharton’s offer in January.
“He is a top player, so even if he becomes available, he will be a major club for him not only Liverpool in the market, but also the top clubs in the Premier League and Europe.
“He has a long-term contract with the palace until 2029, and it will cost a big fee to praise him.
“We know how difficult the palace is, and Liverpool discovered it when the palace was about to sign Mark Guech before pulling the plug in that deal.
“They don’t want to lose Wharton, especially in January, they’re doing everything they can to protect him.
“We know that January is a difficult window to do big things too, so we don’t know that nothing has happened in January.”
Liverpool faces a retreat from another transfer from the palace
If Wharton is unavailable in January, Liverpool will need to explore other midfield targets or lean more towards current options.
You can wait until summer becomes more feasible, especially if the palace is solid. But that could lead to competition from other suitors given Wharton’s rising profile.
For Liverpool, patience may be necessary. They may have to wait until summer to make a serious move to land Wharton.
The Palace has stopped the Reds from signing Mark Ngwehi in the summer transfer window, but they appear ready to do the same for another key player.
Meanwhile, the palace’s attitude strengthens its ambition to build, maintain and compete with talent, and is a sign that they are not satisfied with their star’s foothold.
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