Richard Hughes is pushing to secure a move for the £70m-rated England midfielder.

 

 

Liverpool shattered records last summer with a £450m spending spree, twice breaking the British transfer record through the blockbuster arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. The overhaul was designed by sporting director Richard Hughes to strengthen the squad that lifted the Premier League title in 2024/25.

However, one department was notably untouched: midfield.

Instead of adding reinforcements, Hughes approved exits for Tyler Morton, Harvey Elliott and James McConnell, leaving Arne Slot with just five senior midfield options. Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo have all played key roles, but the burden on that group has been intense. Each has faced injury issues at various points, forcing Slot to rely on youngsters such as Trey Nyoni to pad out the squad.

That situation could change next summer. According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are already targeting midfield upgrades, with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton emerging as a prime candidate. The 21-year-old has continued his impressive rise with the FA Cup holders this season, and some valuations place his fee at around £70m.

Wharton is contracted at Selhurst Park until 2029 but is widely expected to secure a move to a bigger club. Manchester United are also monitoring him, though Liverpool are keen to steal a march on their rivals in a potential deal for the England international.

“Adam Wharton is on Liverpool’s radar for summer,” the report states.

The midfielder was part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad at Euro 2024 and will be aiming to cement his place in Thomas Tuchel’s plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Comfortable sitting deep or operating higher up the pitch, Wharton could offer the balance Liverpool need — particularly in matches where they dominate possession but struggle to turn control into goals.