Davis: Wharton should be top target for summer | OneFootball

Adam Wharton and Liverpool: Why Anfield Is Emerging as the Midfielder’s Likely Destination

Liverpool’s summer rebuild has already sparked plenty of conversation, but one name continues to dominate discussions around future reinforcements. On the Daily Red podcast for Anfield Index, host Dave Davis described the growing interest in Adam Wharton, the Crystal Palace midfielder who has caught the eye of Europe’s elite. Davis was clear, “Liverpool are emerging as the favoured destination for Adam Wharton with the Crystal Palace midfielder understood to prioritise a move to Anfield despite concrete interest from Real Madrid.”

Rising profile of Adam Wharton

Wharton’s emergence has been one of the standout stories in English football. Still only 21, he has established himself as a central figure in Palace’s midfield. Davis highlighted the numbers that make Wharton so appealing, explaining, “Expected assisted goals at 21 in the 95th percentile, shot creating actions not far off four a game. This from a guy who plays in the engine room as well, not number 10, 91st percentile. Progressive passes at 21, nearly just shy of seven a game in the 85th percentile.”

For Liverpool, who are reshaping their squad under Arne Slot, those qualities make Wharton an obvious fit. As Davis pointed out, “Adam Wharton gets the ball. Adam Wharton progresses the ball. Adam Wharton does things that lead to shots.”

Injury history and valuation

Inevitably, there are questions around Wharton’s durability and the cost of securing his signature. Davis reminded listeners, “Last season he had that groin surgery, didn’t he, which saw him miss 93 days, 17 games, and he missed 18 games in all competitions last season.”

Photo: IMAGO

Despite that setback, his quality remains undeniable, and the market reflects it. “The talk of the figure is around 60 to 70 million,” Davis noted. That valuation aligns with previous reports on Liverpool’s transfer strategy, where they are prepared to pay for young, high-ceiling talent that fits their model.

Competition from Europe’s elite

Liverpool are far from alone in chasing Wharton. Manchester City and Real Madrid have also been credited with strong interest. Davis was unequivocal: “Adam Wharton has suitors. Manchester City really like Adam Wharton. Real Madrid really like Adam Wharton.”

Even so, Liverpool appear to have an edge. Wharton’s preference for Anfield could prove decisive. Davis emphasised, “Liverpool are apparently his first choice as a profile.” That could be vital, given the potential for clubs such as Chelsea to distort the market with long-term contracts and inflated wages.

What it could mean for Liverpool’s midfield

Any move for Wharton inevitably raises questions about Liverpool’s current options. Davis said, “It would be easy just to say, ‘Oh, Mac Allister is a far better player.’ Couple of things for this, Alexis Mac Allister is the best midfielder in the Premier League. I’m not interested in hearing any differently at all.” Yet he also acknowledged there are “suggestions about what might happen with Mac Allister in the summer and Liverpool need a midfield reinforcement.”

Rather than a direct replacement, Wharton could complement existing options. Davis added, “Just to be clear and transparent, I want Gravenberch, Wharton, and Mac Allister in our midfield options next season. Let’s just hope Liverpool are the actual choice as it says there for Adam Wharton.”

Wharton represents the type of player Liverpool have consistently targeted: young, technically gifted, and with room to grow into a world-class talent. As Davis put it, “There is a million and one things to like about Adam Wharton. Maybe 60 to 70 million things to like.” If Liverpool can win the race, Anfield may soon be the stage for his next chapter.