Liverpool didn’t have to think twice when considering a move for Osasuna’s Victor Munoz, taking over Newcastle United’s top target once again.
To everyone around the world, Munoz appeared to be heading to St James’ Park, but like Hugo Ekitike did in the summer, he completed a move to Liverpool who triggered a £34.5 million release clause.
It’s a shrewd move and feels in line with the ethos and strategy established under Jurgen Klopp and maintained throughout an era of overwhelming success.
Of course, Liverpool are not afraid to spend big money either. That’s something to keep in mind as FSG consider adding Yann Diomande to new head coach Andoni Iraola’s squad.
Liverpool in talks to sign star alongside Diomande
Liverpool are looking to regain momentum, but with Mohamed Salah’s Anfield career coming to an end, Diomande is being looked at as the perfect successor.
Personal terms are close to being agreed and an opening offer has already been rejected by the German side.
After such a disastrous season in the Premier League, Liverpool cannot afford another subpar season and it’s not just up front that needs tidying up.
Liverpool’s engine room was running out of steam in midfield. Alexis Mac Allister’s future is uncertain after a disastrous year, while Curtis Jones could also be linked with a move to Italy.
To address this issue, Liverpool turned to Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. This comes from TEAMtalk, who have revealed that Liverpool are in a battle with Tottenham Hotspur for the midfield maestro.
Crystal Palace insist they have not received any formal approaches from suitors, but intrigue continues to rage, with Liverpool having held talks in recent weeks with the player’s camp, who are seen as the front-runners to seal the deal.
Wharton is worth £70m but his future at Selhurst Park is uncertain now that Oliver Glasner has left the club. Moreover, having been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions World Cup squad, he may warm to the idea of an immediate move to Merseyside.
Why Adam Wharton is perfect for Liverpool
Wharton will add dimension to Liverpool’s midfield, which has deteriorated due to a combination of physical regression and lack of progress on the ball.
Wharton, on the other hand, rode the crest of a wave at Crystal Palace and has now established himself as “one of the best players, not just in England, but in the world,” Glasner said.
his passing away. It’s amazing, it really is. Wharton knows how to solve tough defenses, with analyst Ben Mattinson calling him a “cheat code” on the ball. Wharton will be able to rectify the lack of coordination at Anfield last season under manager Arne Slott and bring in players like Diomand on a regular basis.
Diomand: Hungry, ferocious, and tenacious. He is determined to reach the top and has a strong start to do so. He has scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions for Leipzig, and his speed, energy and power set him apart from many other young, talented wingers.
When Diomando and Wharton come together, the various parts of Liverpool click together like interlocking joints, with Diomando finding the English midfielder’s combative defending and incisive passing to breeze into the box, collect, swing this way and that, and either drive home or feint to find a teammate like Munoz or Alexander Isak.
Wharton would make this possible. He ranked in the top 5% of Premier League midfielders who created big chances in 2025/26, sitting deep and directing the build-up as well as coming forward and winning the ball in the final third. He would be preferred over Iraola’s current central options.
For example, if you look at how Wharton and Mac Allister will play against each other in the 2025/26 Premier League, you will see that Liverpool could secure a significant improvement in the center of the park.
Premier League 25/26 – Adam Wharton vs Alexis Mac Allister | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (* per 90) | wharton | Mac Allister |
Match (start) | 34(29) | 37(31) |
Goal + Assist | 1 + 5 | 2+4 |
touch* | 50.0 | 50.3 |
Exact path* | 28.7 (79%) | 33.6 (87%) |
A big opportunity has arisen | 14 | 4 |
Key pass* | 1.3 | 1.0 |
Loss of ownership* | 11.7 | 7.8 |
Successful. dribble* | 0.4 (52%) | 0.3 (41%) |
Ball recovery rate* | 4.9 | 3.0 |
Tackle + Interception* | 2.9 | 2.0 |
clearance* | 1.2 | 0.9 |
Win a duel* | 4.1 (49%) | 3.1 (45%) |
Mac Allister’s decline is sad, but Liverpool cannot rest on their laurels here and must act to get back into the spotlight.
Wharton may be the key. He is a strong, proven Premier League star who could thrive in Iraola’s Liverpool setup, and forming a link with Diomande could solve many of the problems that have derailed Slott’s tenure.
Forget Diomande: Liverpool begin work on signing next Mane for £60m
Liverpool have a number of alternatives available in case they fail to sign Yann Diomande from RB Leipzig.

