Liverpool’s long-term transfer plans appear to be gathering speed again, and one name has quietly moved closer to the top of the list.
The Reds are reportedly holding early talks for a Premier League star whose rise has caught the attention of several elite clubs. But what makes this player worth planning two years ahead for — and why are Liverpool acting so early in the process?
The 2025 window was historic for Liverpool, with record-breaking deals for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak marking a clear shift in strategy.
The club moved away from cautious spending and stepped firmly into the category of Europe’s most aggressive buyers. Deals for Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, and Milos Kerkez further confirmed that Liverpool had entered a new era of squad building.
Now, with 2026 on the horizon, Liverpool seem ready to continue that momentum. Just a day after reportedly holding exploratory talks for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, new reports indicate the club is already laying the groundwork for another potential marquee addition.
According to DaveOCKOP, Liverpool have opened early discussions about a future move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, one of the Premier League’s most promising young players.
His performances have helped Palace lift both the FA Cup and Community Shield for the first time in their history, and his development has made him a target for several top clubs.
Wharton is calm on the ball, sharp in duels, and reads the game with maturity well beyond his age. Liverpool reportedly see him as a long-term midfield piece who could thrive under Arne Slot’s system.
The move is said to be one aimed at the summer of 2026 rather than January, as Palace remain in a strong position to negotiate.
Back in September, DaveOCKOP reported that Wharton’s personal preference was a move to Liverpool. Fans will now hope that feeling hasn’t changed, especially as interest from rivals continues to grow.
Why Liverpool are watching Wharton so closely
The 21-year-old’s passing, positioning, and defensive output have placed him among the league’s standout young midfielders.
His ability to break up play, control tempo, and distribute the ball efficiently makes him a natural fit for Liverpool’s evolving style. And yes — he’s not afraid of a tackle, which should please the fans who still miss the Gini Wijnaldum engine room.
Adam Wharton: 2025/26 Season Stats (So Far)
| Stat Category | Value (Per 90 or Total) |
|---|---|
| Passes Attempted | 42.3 |
| Pass Completion | 79.7% |
| Key Passes | 1.1 |
| Long Passes Attempted | 7.1 |
| Long Pass Accuracy | 34.5% |
| Through Balls | 0.2 |
| Crosses | 0.1 |
| Assisted Chances Created | 0.9 |
| Tackles | 3.4 |
| Tackles Won % | 57.1% |
| Interceptions | 2.5 |
| Clearances | 1.9 |
| Blocks | 0.2 |
| Duels Won % | 50% |
| Aerial Duels Won % | 41.7% |
| Recoveries | 6.0 |
| Fouls Committed | 1.5 |