Liverpool are continuing to monitor Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as the England international’s future at Selhurst Park becomes an increasingly interesting transfer story.
The 22-year-old has been on Liverpool’s radar for some time, and the Reds’ interest appears to have remained intact despite the club choosing to strengthen other areas during the summer transfer window. Recent reports suggest Liverpool could revisit their interest in Wharton in 2027, with the midfielder potentially available within the next two transfer windows.
However, Liverpool are not expected to have a straightforward path to the Palace midfielder. Newcastle United are also monitoring Wharton, while other major Premier League clubs have shown interest in the player in recent months.
Liverpool’s Longstanding Interest in Wharton
Liverpool’s admiration for Wharton is not new.
The Reds were linked with the midfielder during the summer, but their priorities ultimately lay elsewhere. Liverpool invested heavily in attacking and defensive areas, including the arrival of Bradley Barcola, while they did not add another established midfielder to their squad.
That decision could leave the midfield position as an area Liverpool revisit in a future transfer window.
Wharton would certainly fit the profile of a player capable of strengthening the engine room. He has developed rapidly since joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers and has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most highly regarded young midfielders.
Liverpool.com recently highlighted his ability to operate in a deeper midfield role, break up opposition attacks and initiate play with progressive, line-breaking passes.
Those qualities could make him an attractive option for Liverpool as they continue to build for the long term.
Why Liverpool Did Not Move This Summer
Despite the speculation surrounding Wharton, Liverpool did not make him a priority during the summer window.
The club instead concentrated on other areas of the squad and opted against making a panic signing simply to fill a perceived weakness. Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola defended that approach, stressing the importance of taking a long-term view rather than spending heavily on short-term solutions.
That does not necessarily mean Liverpool have abandoned their interest in Wharton.
In fact, the latest reports suggest the opposite. Liverpool are reportedly preparing to keep the midfielder under close observation, with the possibility of making another move in a future window.
The club’s midfield options currently include players such as Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, who have both been used in deeper roles. However, reports suggest Liverpool could still look to add another specialist option as they plan for the future.
Crystal Palace Could Face a Major Decision
For Crystal Palace, the situation is potentially complicated.
Palace rejected interest in Wharton during the summer and were reluctant to allow one of their most valuable players to leave without sufficient time to find a replacement. TEAMtalk reported that concrete interest had come from Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, but Palace were determined to keep hold of the midfielder.
More recent reporting has also suggested that Palace could resist a January departure.
That would mean Liverpool may have to wait until a later window if they want to make a serious attempt to sign him.
Wharton himself also remained at Palace after the summer window, with manager Pierre Sage indicating that the midfielder had committed to the club for the current season despite interest from elsewhere.
Nevertheless, the situation could change significantly next year.
Newcastle Join the Race
Liverpool could also face competition from Newcastle United.
Newcastle have reportedly joined the growing list of clubs monitoring Wharton and see him as a potential addition to their rebuilt midfield. The Magpies are believed to be keeping a close watch on developments surrounding the England international ahead of a possible future move.
That could turn Wharton into one of the more intriguing midfield transfer battles in the Premier League.
Liverpool’s appeal would obviously be significant, particularly if the club can offer Champions League football and a central role in its long-term project. Newcastle, meanwhile, are also building an ambitious squad and could present an attractive alternative.
What Could Happen Next?
At this stage, there is no indication that Liverpool have reached an agreement with Crystal Palace for Wharton.
The important distinction is that the current reports concern interest and monitoring, rather than a completed deal or an imminent transfer.
However, Liverpool’s continued interest is significant because the club has already identified midfield as an area that could require further investment. If Wharton continues to develop and Palace eventually become more open to selling, Liverpool could be in a strong position to pursue him.
A January transfer cannot be ruled out, but Palace’s previous stance suggests it would be difficult. A summer 2027 move may therefore prove more realistic if the midfielder becomes available.
Liverpool Transfer Target to Watch
Adam Wharton is likely to remain a name worth watching over the coming months.
Liverpool have admired the midfielder for some time, and their decision not to sign him during the summer does not appear to have ended their interest. Instead, the Reds could be taking a patient approach while assessing how their midfield develops during the season.
Newcastle’s involvement adds another layer to the story, while Crystal Palace will have their own decision to make if significant offers arrive.
For now, Liverpool supporters should view the Wharton story as a developing transfer situation rather than an imminent deal.
But if the midfielder does become available in one of the next two windows, Liverpool could be among the first clubs ready to explore a move.
Adam Wharton to Liverpool could therefore become one of the Premier League’s most interesting midfield transfer stories heading into 2027.