Hopes soared in France when Liverpool thrashed Marseille were dashed when Arne Slott’s side traveled to Bournemouth to see their 13-match unbeaten run ended.
Liverpool are in serious contention for a top-four (or even top-five) finish in the Premier League, Chelsea and Manchester United have improved since their manager was sacked, and there are a number of clubs just behind them preparing for an aerial battle.
Liverpool’s transfer plans appear to have been put on hold, with FSG unwilling to make a ridiculous offer for a player who would only provide temporary reinforcements and not contribute to the long-term success of this team at Anfield.
Many supporters (understandably) feel they need a centre-back this month, but the guidance suggests the Reds will persevere. But Liverpool are always ready to pounce on market opportunities.
Liverpool lead the race to sign Premier League stars
Joe Gomez was sent off and injured again after colliding with Alisson Becker in Vitality. With Ibrahima Konate missing the last two games on compassionate leave, Liverpool’s lack of defensive depth could not be more evident.
But FSG is certainly building fire by waiting until summer. That is clear from Marc Guehi’s signing with Manchester City.
However, sporting director Richard Hughes will jump at the right opportunity if it arises, and some players may emerge a little higher up the pitch.
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who is said to have reached a general agreement to leave Selhurst Park at the end of the season.
A number of suitors have expressed interest, but Liverpool are at the top of the list. The Three Lions star, 21, has been intrigued by a potential move to Merseyside, with informal talks initiated by the Reds and other interested parties.
Wharton is one of the most coveted young midfielders in Europe, and his price tag doesn’t come cheap. Manchester United and Newcastle United have both shown strong interest, with figures in the region of £65m-80m being floated, but Palace could demand a package reaching the £100m mark.
Why Adam Wharton will become a Liverpool star
Wharton won’t come cheap, but Liverpool’s turnaround this season will likely rewrite the transfer script for 2026. This is more than just bad luck for a Liverpool team that had such purpose in its pursuit of the Premier League title last season. Liverpool are in a rut and Slott will know that failing to qualify for the Champions League could spell the end of his tenure.
Of course, Wharton knows a thing or two about beating Liverpool. Out of four games against the Merseysiders, the technically gifted players won three times. The Eagles were once seen as a bogey team for Liverpool, but that tag has resurfaced in recent years.
He has the profile Liverpool need. Dominik Szoboszlai has emerged as Liverpool’s de facto leader in the center of the park, but the Hungarian is not a deep-seated player and is willing to sit back and take charge.
Alexis Mac Allister has also lost influence, but Ryan Gravenbirch has avoided more mainstream criticism this season and the truth is that the silky Dutchman has been ‘discovered’.
That’s not to say he’s lost his touch, but the 23-year-old played a fantastic role as Liverpool’s number six last season, helping them to the title. The increased physical brilliance in this year’s Premier League, coupled with opponents’ tactics to negate Gravenbirch’s influence in the middle, has raised concerns about whether he is the best choice going forward as a midfield anchor.
Grabenberch is still a great player. After all, last year he was awarded the honor of Young Premier League Player of the Year. However, it is clear that Liverpool need a new presence to protect the back line and open the way into dangerous areas. Liverpool have struggled in the build-up this season.
Wharton, who joined Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in January 2023, would provide the right tools to form such an opening. He is one of England’s brightest and most talented distributors, with journalist Henry Winter describing him as a “passing machine” and “the best player on the pitch” as South Londoners beat Aston Villa to qualify for last year’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Looking at the data, we see that he matches Grabenberch’s natural ease and energy, defends well and moves freely. But not at the expense of protection. Moreover, his passing far exceeds that of the Dutch star, who does not have such penetrating passes. According to FotMob, the Palace star completed 48 long balls in this year’s Premier League, while Grabenbirch only completed 14.
Adam Wharton vs Ryan Gravenbirch (Premier League 25/26) | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (* per 90) | wharton | graben birch |
Match (start) | 21(21) | 21(21) |
Goal + Assist | 0+2 | 4+2 |
touch* | 53.9 | 76.3 |
Exact path* | 31.0 (80%) | 56.5 (90%) |
A big opportunity has arisen | 8 | 3 |
Key pass* | 1.2 | 0.9 |
dribble* | 0.5 | 0.9 |
Ball recovery rate* | 5.2 | 4.3 |
Tackle + Interception* | 3.4 | 3.1 |
Duel (win)* | 4.8 (52%) | 4.6 (60%) |
Data via Sofascore | ||
There’s not a huge difference between the two, but Wharton is clearly the more creative passer, while Graven Birch is a little stronger in duels.
Despite this, Wharton defends with more confidence, and his lack of sharpness in passing ultimately comes down to a difference in style. Liverpool’s system demands calculated, slow build-up play.
That’s not to say Liverpool haven’t faced adversity defensively this season. Wharton will need to be strong and steely. But his mind is turning towards a more expansive passing game, which is what Liverpool need to rekindle their on-ball dynamism and avoid the troublesome low blocks that have become the bane of the slot and the club’s overall campaign.
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