Liverpool move one step closer to fantastic Adam Wharton agreement

Liverpool have moved closer to signing Adam Wharton. The Reds are big fans of the midfielder.

GiveMeSport reported at the weekend that Liverpool are keen on a deal for Adam Wharton. They've initiated talks for the midfielder out of hope they can convince Crystal Palace to sell this summer.

He wouldn't come cheaply. In fact, securing the player for the reported price would make him the third-biggest transfer in Liverpool's history.

One reason the price is so high is the inevitable competition for Wharton. He's a homegrown midfielder who offers a profile you rarely see from English midfielders.

However, it seems that Liverpool may have taken a step towards this one purely because of a lack of competition. And that's largely down to luck.

The Telegraph reports that Manchester United, thought to be a major contender for Wharton, aren't interested. They view him as too close in profile to Kobbie Mainoo and don't feel they'd be a good combination.

Thus spending big on the Palace midfielder makes little sense. Manchester City, another presumed rival, are instead hoping to sign Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

And so Liverpool may find that the competition for Wharton has actually dried up. It feels as though meeting the asking price would be enough to land him as things stand - so we say make it happen quickly.

Adam Wharton: Situation Summary

Midfield Command and European Campaign

As of 21 April 2026, Adam Wharton has evolved into the tactical heartbeat of Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace. The 22-year-old has made 28 Premier League appearances this season, providing five assists and maintaining an 81% pass completion rate. He has been instrumental in the Eagles' journey to the UEFA Conference League semi-finals, although he recently missed a 0–0 draw with West Ham as a precaution due to a groin strain sustained against Fiorentina. Glasner has confirmed Wharton is expected back in training this Thursday and should be available for the upcoming visit to Anfield on Saturday.

Transfer Valuation and International Status

Wharton’s meteoric rise has made him one of the most coveted young midfielders in Europe, with Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City all monitoring his progress. To protect their asset, Palace have reportedly placed a £70–85 million price tag on the player, whose contract runs until June 2029. While Manchester United have noted similarities between Wharton and Kobbie Mainoo, he remains a high-priority target for several elite clubs. On the international stage, Wharton has become a fixture in the England squad, having featured in the March friendly against Ukraine. He is widely projected to be a core member of the Three Lions' squad for the 2026 World Cup this June.

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