Liverpool are reportedly on the brink of winning the race for Adam Wharton, with fresh reports suggesting a deal to bring the Crystal Palace midfielder to Anfield is "getting closer." According to Football-Talk, the Reds have made significant breakthroughs in negotiations, positioning themselves to secure one of English football’s brightest talents ahead of their rivals.
Breaking the Deadlock
The pursuit of Wharton has been identified as a strategic priority for Arne Slot, who views the 21-year-old as the long-term metronome for his midfield. While Crystal Palace have publicly attempted to ring-fence their remaining stars following the sale of Marc Guehi to Manchester City, the internal reality at Selhurst Park is shifting. With manager Oliver Glasner confirmed to be leaving and the squad’s core dismantling, the hierarchy appears resigned to cashing in on Wharton while his stock is at its peak.
Sources indicate that Liverpool have moved aggressively to structure a deal that appeals to Palace’s need for guaranteed revenue. While the final fee is expected to be substantial—likely approaching a club-record figure for the Eagles—the "getting closer" narrative suggests that the payment structure and personal terms are no longer significant hurdles.
Slot’s Tactical Vision
For Liverpool, securing Wharton is a move to future-proof their engine room. Slot’s system relies heavily on a "No.6" capable of receiving the ball under pressure and breaking lines with vertical passing—traits that Wharton possesses in abundance. His data profile compares favourably to the elite controllers in Europe, and his ability to dictate tempo would allow Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to operate in more advanced, dangerous areas.
The speed at which Liverpool have accelerated talks suggests they are keen to avoid a summer bidding war involving Real Madrid or Manchester City. By moving now to establish the framework of the transfer, the Reds are effectively shutting the door on the competition.
Market Shift
The reaction in the betting markets has been telling. The Adam Wharton next club odds have shortened drastically in Liverpool’s favour over the last 48 hours. What was once seen as a speculative summer interest has hardened into a concrete pursuit, with the market now anticipating that Wharton will be wearing Liverpool red in the near future, marking the next phase of Slot’s Anfield evolution.