Liverpool plot £75m move for Adam Wharton with Crystal Palace star open to exit

Liverpool are planning to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, with the 22-year-old open to leaving Selhurst Park for European football. The Reds face competition from Newcastle United for the England youth international, who is valued at over £75m.

  • Target: Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
  • Fee: More than £75m
  • Interest: Liverpool and Newcastle United
  • Timing: January or next summer
  • Current contract: Runs until 2029

Why Liverpool want Wharton

Liverpool have monitored Wharton for some time and admire his composure in possession and ability to play line-breaking passes. The Reds did not replace Curtis Jones after selling him to Inter Milan, leaving Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo as their main midfield options.

Endo has struggled for regular game time in recent years, while Trey Nyoni is young and needs time to develop. Wharton, who has proven his worth in the Premier League, would add quality and depth to the engine room.

Player's stance and competition

Wharton is happy at Crystal Palace but is keen to take the next step and play European football consistently. He would be open to a move in January or next summer. Crystal Palace are in a strong position as his deal runs until 2029, and they want more than £75m if they cash in.

Newcastle United are also planning a swoop, setting up a potential bidding war.

Deal details

  • Fee: Over £75m
  • Current club: Crystal Palace
  • Interested clubs: Liverpool, Newcastle United
  • Status: Rumour (per TEAMtalk)

Why Wharton fits Liverpool's system

Adam Wharton would slot into Liverpool's midfield as a deep-lying playmaker alongside Alexis Mac Allister or Dominik Szoboszlai. His line-breaking passes would offer a different threat to Ryan Gravenberch's dribbling, allowing Liverpool to vary their build-up against low blocks.

At Palace, Wharton has shown he can dictate tempo and break lines with precision. His defensive work has improved, but his real value lies in transitioning defence to attack quickly — exactly what Arne Slot's Liverpool need. A £75m fee reflects his potential but also his Premier League experience at 22.

Talking points

  • Can Wharton justify a £75m+ fee when Liverpool sold Curtis Jones for a similar amount?
  • Is Newcastle's interest genuine or a ploy to drive up the price?
  • Would Wharton dislodge Gravenberch or Mac Allister in the starting XI?
  • Should Liverpool wait until summer to negotiate a lower fee, or pay over the odds in January?

What happens next

Liverpool and Newcastle are expected to monitor Wharton during the season. A move could accelerate in January if either club misses out on other targets or if Palace lose ground in the table. The next transfer window closes on February 1, 2027.

Frequently asked questions

Is Adam Wharton leaving Crystal Palace?

Wharton is open to leaving for a club in European competition, with Liverpool and Newcastle interested, but no formal bid has been made.

How much would Adam Wharton cost?

Crystal Palace want more than £75m for Wharton, whose contract runs until 2029.

Are Liverpool really interested in Adam Wharton?

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are planning a move and have a long-standing admiration for the player, but no deal is close.

Filed under: Transfer Rumours | LA Premier League Home