Liverpool are hoping to build on their title success this summer with a big money transfer for a player who could become the new Steven Gerrard in Arne Slot’s side.
Slot’s men could mathematically secure the title this weekend against Tottenham and attention has already turned to the transfer market, with Liverpool likely to have a big summer of spending.
While the Reds are expected to strengthen in attack and defence, The Sun report that they are hoping to ‘tempt’ Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton into a switch to Anfield this summer.
Wharton has been a standout performer for Palace since his €20 million arrival from Blackburn in January 2024 and Liverpool could test the Eagles’ resolve with a bid in excess of €50m.
However, with Wharton still having four years remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park, Palace have no desire to cash in, particularly if they sell Marc Guehi or Eberechi Eze this summer.
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Despite only having played 34 Premier League games, Wharton has already established a reputation as a creative and tough-tackling midfielder already beyond his years.
The 21-year-old’s passing range and ability to read the game has drawn comparisons to Gerrard and Liverpool know that securing Wharton’s signing would give them a player that could grow into the mould of their former captain.
However, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also said to be interested in Wharton and Palace know that, having seen the youngster struggle with injury this season, his value could exponentially grow in the coming years.
Liverpool are hoping that they can turn Wharton’s head with the lure of Champions League football and top level football which could cement the midfielder’s place in England’s World Cup squad next summer.
But, such is Wharton’s potential that Palace could feasibly sell him down the line for a Declan Rice-style fee of more than €100m, giving them no incentive to cash in on the player anytime soon, particularly with Blackburn reportedly retaining a 15% sell-on clause.
Ultimately it is clear that Wharton could be the future star of England’s midfield – a tag which would entice any side into a deal, leaving Liverpool unlikely to secure their new Gerrard without breaking the bank in a record transfer.
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