Journalist: Liverpool hold ‘genuine interest’ in midfielder but deal remains unlikely | OneFootball

Liverpool Keep Adam Wharton on Midfield Radar as Crystal Palace Wait

Liverpool’s midfield search continues to generate intrigue, and one name refuses to disappear from the conversation. During the latest edition of Media Matters on Anfield Index, Eddie Gibbs and Lewis Steele discussed the current state of play regarding Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, with Steele making it clear that while there is no obvious momentum, the possibility cannot yet be dismissed.

With Liverpool entering a new era under Andoni Iraola, questions remain over whether Wharton still fits the club’s plans after the managerial change. Steele’s assessment suggested patience rather than certainty.

Liverpool Interest Remains Despite Quiet Market

When asked directly whether Liverpool could still move for Adam Wharton this summer, Steele acknowledged there had previously been genuine interest.

“I think they may have looked into it earlier in the year. I think there’s probably, you know, a genuine interest there. Don’t think you can probably doubt that one.”

That remark reflects what many around Liverpool have believed for months. Wharton has been admired for his composure, passing range and ability to dictate games, qualities that naturally attract elite clubs.

However, Steele also highlighted how dramatically the situation has cooled.

“It does seem like it’s been played down a bit recently and it’s gone quiet.”

Importantly, he pointed out that the silence is not exclusive to Liverpool.

“He’s not necessarily been linked with anywhere else.”

That observation gives the story a different complexion. Rather than Liverpool walking away, the entire market around the Crystal Palace midfielder appears unusually subdued.

Crystal Palace Midfielder Waiting for Next Move

Steele suggested Wharton himself may have expected events to unfold differently this summer.

“I think Wharton was quite eager to move on in the summer.”

Missing out on England’s World Cup squad has also altered the landscape, while rival clubs have pursued different midfield targets.

Photo: IMAGO

During the discussion, Steele referenced Manchester United strengthening their midfield and Manchester City’s pursuit of Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi, leaving Wharton’s immediate options appearing narrower than they once did.

That naturally led Gibbs to question whether Liverpool could still be working discreetly behind the scenes.

Steele admitted there is no evidence of active negotiations, but Liverpool’s recruitment model leaves room for speculation.

“Are Liverpool just doing some quiet diligence in the background, waiting for the right moment to pounce on this one?”

He was careful not to overstate the position.

“I’ve had nothing to suggest they are, but the quietness just makes me wonder what’s going on with it.”

Those comments capture Liverpool’s reputation in the transfer market. The club frequently conducts business away from public view before accelerating quickly when conditions suit.

Liverpool Midfield Plans Still Developing

Throughout the podcast, Steele repeatedly stressed that Liverpool still need to strengthen centrally.

Speaking more broadly about the squad, he said:

“I do think that Liverpool need to go all out to strengthen that position.”

That wider context keeps Adam Wharton firmly in the conversation, even if there is currently little public movement.

Steele also reminded listeners that Liverpool’s recruitment style makes definitive conclusions difficult.

“We know how Liverpool operate. They’re quite quiet. They’re quite measured in their approach.”

For that reason, he believes supporters cannot completely dismiss the possibility.

“So, you can still not rule it out.”

The discussion on Media Matters stopped well short of suggesting Liverpool are preparing an imminent bid for the Crystal Palace midfielder. Instead, it painted the picture of a transfer that has entered a holding pattern.

Wharton remains a player Liverpool have admired, Crystal Palace remain under no obvious pressure to sell, and the wider midfield market continues to evolve following the World Cup. Until Liverpool fully commit to their preferred midfield target, Wharton’s name is likely to remain part of the conversation.

For now, patience appears to be the dominant theme, but as Steele noted, Liverpool’s measured approach means silence should never automatically be mistaken for inactivity.