“It’s there to be done” – Liverpool could move for England midfielder this summer | OneFootball

Adam Wharton To Liverpool Discussed As Iraola Question Shapes Midfield Plans

Adam Wharton’s potential move to Liverpool came up on Media Matters for Anfield Index, as Dave Davis and David Lynch looked at how the squad might be reshaped around the anticipated arrival of Andoni Iraola.

Davis framed the question directly, asking: “Is Adam Wharton an Iraola midfielder?”

Lynch was careful with his answer. “I’m not sure, really,” he said. “I can’t say that I kind of know him inside out to that degree.”

That caution was important. The conversation did not present Wharton as a guaranteed target for Iraola’s Liverpool, but as a player whose profile would need to be judged within the new tactical demands.

Midfield balance would matter

Lynch suggested that Wharton’s suitability may depend on how Liverpool build around him. “You have to make accommodations if he’s there,” he said.

He then explained what that would involve, referring to previous discussion about “making sure there’s physicality around him that can cover for the fact that he’s not necessarily an incredible defender.”

That line gets to the heart of the issue. Wharton may offer qualities Liverpool like, but if Iraola wants a more intense and aggressive team, the midfield balance around him would be crucial.

Lynch added: “If Iraola thinks he can work, if Iraola thinks he needs someone who can get the ball back to front, then maybe they’ll go for that.”

Deal viewed as possible if Liverpool want it

Lynch then gave the clearest indication of the transfer landscape. He said Wharton is “a player who, I think for Liverpool, he’s kind of there to be bought if they want to.”

He added: “I think Palace are maybe willing to let him go this summer.”

That does not mean Liverpool will definitely move, but it does suggest the opportunity may exist. Lynch also pointed to the practical side of any potential deal, saying Liverpool “like him” and have “got the relationship with his agents.”

From that perspective, he said “all that kind of aspect of it would not be that difficult to get done.”

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool decision still required

Despite that, Lynch made clear the decision still rests with Liverpool’s football structure and Iraola, if appointed.

“We just have to see,” he said. “Again, that’s up to Liverpool. That’s up to kind of what do Richard Hughes think? What do they think in conjunction with Iraola?”

That phrasing places Wharton within the wider Liverpool rebuild. The midfielder may be attainable, and Liverpool may admire him, but the club must decide whether he fits the new head coach’s requirements.

Lynch summed it up by saying: “It’s there to be done for them. So, yeah, it’s an option. But hard to say whether they’ll pull that trigger and what Iraola thinks.”