Liverpool Target £70m Star in Ambitious Summer Overhaul as Salah Saga Rumbles On
Liverpool plot £70m move for Adam Wharton amid Salah uncertainty. The Reds eye midfield rebuild under Slot with ambitious summer plans.
Liverpool are accelerating their summer recruitment drive with a bold £70 million pursuit of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, according to multiple reports. The Anfield hierarchy, under the guidance of Arne Slot, is determined to reshape the squad as the futures of several key players remain uncertain.
The 20-year-old Wharton, who joined Palace from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024 for an initial £18 million, has rapidly established himself as one of the Premier League's most promising young midfielders. His composure on the ball, passing range, and tactical intelligence have drawn comparisons to Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso. The Merseyside club sees him as the perfect long-term successor to the aging Thiago Alcântara, whose contract expires this summer.
Wharton's Meteoric Rise
Wharton's impact at Selhurst Park has been immediate. In his first full season, he averaged 85% pass accuracy, 2.3 tackles per game, and created 1.5 chances per match, earning him a spot in Gareth Southgate's England squad. His ability to dictate tempo from deep midfield aligns perfectly with Slot's possession-based philosophy. Palace, however, are reluctant to lose their star asset and have slapped a £70 million price tag to ward off suitors.
Liverpool face stiff competition from Manchester City and Arsenal, who also monitor the youngster. But the Reds believe their project under Slot—with Champions League football all but secured—gives them an edge in negotiations. The deal could be structured with add-ons to reach Palace's valuation.
Salah's Future Takes a Twist
Meanwhile, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah's future adds urgency to Liverpool's transfer plans. The Egyptian king, out of contract in 2025, has been linked with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League. While Salah has repeatedly insisted he is happy at Anfield, the lack of a new deal fuels speculation that this summer may be the right time to cash in.
Liverpool's hierarchy is prepared for life without their talisman. The potential £70 million outlay on Wharton signals a proactive approach to squad building, even as the Salah saga drags on. If Salah departs, the club may reinvest the fee into a top-tier winger, with Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia among the targets.
Slot's Vision
Arne Slot, who took over from Jürgen Klopp, has emphasized the need for a younger, more dynamic midfield. The Dutchman has already greenlit the signing of Wharton, viewing him as a cornerstone of his long-term project. Liverpool's midfield—which includes Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Harvey Elliott—would gain greater balance and defensive steel with Wharton's inclusion.
The club's summer budget is bolstered by Champions League qualification, expected sales of fringe players, and a potential Salah windfall. The Wharton deal, though expensive, is seen as an investment in sustained success.
What Next?
Liverpool are expected to open formal talks with Palace in the coming weeks. Crystal Palace may demand a club-record fee, but the Reds are confident of reaching an agreement. With Wharton keen on a move to a Champions League side, the transfer appears increasingly likely.
As Liverpool fans await clarity on Salah's future, the pursuit of Wharton sends a clear message: the club is building for the future, not resting on past glories.