Liverpool Set to Battle Real Madrid in the Race to Sign 21-year-old Midfielder – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool Face Palace Resistance Over Adam Wharton Interest

Liverpool are expected to encounter another stern battle with Crystal Palace in their pursuit of midfield reinforcement, with Football Insider reporting that the Reds are eyeing 21-year-old Adam Wharton ahead of the January transfer window. The midfielder, however, remains central to Oliver Glasner’s project at Selhurst Park, leaving a winter move highly unlikely.

Wharton attracting elite European attention

Wharton has rapidly risen to prominence in the Premier League, earning admirers at home and abroad. According to Football Insider, he “has also attracted interest from Real Madrid and a number of elite Premier League and European clubs thanks to his displays in the Palace midfield”. His combination of vision, composure and tactical intelligence has turned him into a key figure for Palace.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown underlined the scale of the challenge facing potential suitors. Speaking to Football Insider, he said, “Palace will reject any offers for Wharton in the mid-season window.” With the midfielder tied down to a long-term deal until 2029, only a huge bid would even tempt the South London side into negotiations.

Photo IMAGO

January transfer complications

Palace’s reluctance is rooted in both Wharton’s importance and the challenges of replacing such a talent mid-season. Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Pete O’Rourke noted, “It’ll be highly unlikely that Palace would entertain any offers for Wharton in January. He’s under a long-term contract at Palace until 2029, and it would take a huge fee to prise him away.”

The journalist went further, highlighting Palace’s firm stance in the market. “We know how difficult Palace are to deal with, Liverpool found that out when they tried to sign Marc Guehi before Palace pulled the plug on that deal.”

It is a pattern Liverpool know too well. After being denied a move for Guehi in the summer, they may once again be forced to wait until the following window if they wish to formalise their interest.

Palace set on retaining their stars

Crystal Palace’s FA Cup success and subsequent Community Shield triumph have strengthened their determination to retain top players. Chairman Steve Parish is understood to be intent on building a squad capable of delivering further silverware. As Football Insider reported, “They don’t want to lose Wharton, especially not in January because he would be a very difficult player for them to replace.”

Wharton has already received glowing praise from teammates. Marc Guehi himself previously labelled him “unbelievable”, reinforcing the sense that the young midfielder is viewed internally as a cornerstone of Glasner’s evolving squad. With Palace’s ambitions aligned towards progression rather than player sales, Liverpool’s hopes of an imminent breakthrough appear slim.

Potential long-term target

Despite the setback, Liverpool’s interest is unlikely to fade. Arne Slot has already demonstrated his intent to construct a side brimming with youthful energy and technical quality. The Reds may be forced into patience, but Wharton’s profile fits seamlessly with the club’s recruitment strategy. As O’Rourke summarised, “If he does become available it won’t just be Liverpool in the market for him, it’ll be most of the big clubs in the Premier League and top European clubs.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Liverpool perspective, reports such as this will spark frustration, but also a degree of optimism. Adam Wharton’s talent is undoubted, and his emergence as one of the most promising young midfielders in England makes him a player who fits neatly into Liverpool’s future plans.

Arne Slot’s side have already shown great balance with the summer arrivals of Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak. Yet despite the strong squad depth, Wharton’s ability to dictate tempo and thrive under pressure would add another dimension to the midfield. His long passing range and tactical maturity belie his years, making him an ideal addition to a team that has just begun its title defence with five wins from five.

Palace’s hardline stance should not deter Liverpool. Patience is key, as we saw with other long-term pursuits in the past. If Wharton remains out of reach until summer, it could prove beneficial in the longer run, giving the Reds the chance to continue their title charge without distractions and reassess priorities once the season ends.

Liverpool fans will hope the club remain persistent. Wharton looks like the type of signing who can anchor a midfield for the next decade, and with Slot’s track record of nurturing young players, he could flourish at Anfield. For now, though, it seems supporters must settle for admiration from afar while Palace hold firm.