Journalist: The door is open for Liverpool to wrap up deal for midfielder | OneFootball

Liverpool Interest in Adam Wharton Could Benefit From England World Cup Omission

Liverpool’s midfield planning came into focus on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast when Dave Davis and David Lynch discussed Adam Wharton, his omission from England’s World Cup squad, and whether that could help the Reds move quicker for the Crystal Palace midfielder.

Davis introduced the subject with a clear Liverpool angle. He described Wharton being left out of the England World Cup squad as “absolute madness” because, in his view, “England haven’t got a midfielder anything like him despite all the talents they’ve got.” From there, the conversation moved directly into what it could mean for Liverpool.

Adam Wharton omission may help Liverpool

Davis noted that, from Liverpool’s perspective, Wharton missing the World Cup could have a practical transfer benefit. He said it “also means Crystal Palace can’t jack up the price if he bangs in the World Cup at the same time.”

That is the kind of transfer market detail that often matters. A strong international tournament can change perception, pressure and price. In this case, the argument was simple, if Wharton is not on that stage, there is less risk of a World Cup performance pushing his value higher.

Lynch agreed that the omission could help Liverpool. “Yeah, it’s definitely helpful,” he said. “It’s helpful as well if Liverpool do want to do that deal.”

Liverpool could move quicker

The most important part of Lynch’s answer was not simply that Wharton being left out helps Liverpool. It was that it could make a deal easier to advance quickly.

“I think the deal is there for them to do if they want to,” Lynch said. He then added, “they can just do it now.”

That line gives the conversation its strongest transfer angle. If Liverpool are serious about Adam Wharton, the absence of a World Cup campaign removes one complication. Lynch’s point was that Liverpool could “go and get straight into it and get it boxed” before the main part of the summer.

Given Davis had already said Liverpool have “an awful lot to do”, that timing matters. A quicker deal for Wharton could help Liverpool settle one part of their midfield plan before other summer decisions intensify.

Photo: IMAGO

No reflection on Wharton’s quality

Lynch was also clear that Wharton’s omission should not be treated as a negative judgement on the player. “I don’t think anyone should take that as a reflection on the player,” he said.

Instead, he offered a tactical explanation. Lynch suggested that Thomas Tuchel “doesn’t seem to want anyone he has to kind of mitigate for.” On Wharton specifically, he said, “you probably do have to think about how you balance the side if you bring him in.”

That idea of balance ran through the discussion. Davis later compared the profile to a player who needs the right partner, saying, “you have to recognise what Adam Morton does like a Jabi Alonzo,” while also noting that “Jabi Alonzo needed a Mascerano or someone like that alongside.”

Wharton brings a specific midfield profile

Lynch’s admiration for Wharton was direct. “There’s just no question he’s a fantastic player,” he said. He also added, “I would quite like Liverpool to sign him if they can get the balance right alongside him.”

So, could Adam Wharton missing the England World Cup squad help Liverpool wrap up a deal quicker? Based on the Anfield Index conversation, yes. Davis saw the price advantage, Lynch saw the timing advantage, and both treated Wharton as a serious Liverpool midfield target.

The key line remains Lynch’s, “the deal is there for them to do if they want to.”