After winning the Premier League title in the 2024/25 campaign, Liverpool have demonstrated no signs of slowing down their ambitions of being a powerhouse once again next season.
The Reds claimed the title by 10 points, losing just four games out of their 38, with two of which coming after they had already secured top spot in Arne Slot’s first season.
It was a year to remember for the club, reaching the next level under the Dutchman, subsequently doing so with only one senior addition during last summer’s window.
However, this time around, it appears the board have massively backed the manager with funds in his quest to retain the title during the 2025/26 campaign.
Jeremie Frimpong has already been announced as a Reds player, with Milos Kerkez appearing next on their list, but their business doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.
The latest on Liverpool’s for new additions this summer
Over recent weeks, a striker has emerged as a key target for Slot, as he looks to land a new talisman to hand him that added clinical edge within the front three at Anfield.
The likes of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitiké and Viktor Gyokeres have all been mentioned as potential targets, but up until now, none of which appear to be edging closer to a move to Merseyside.
However, other areas of the pitch are in need of investment, with midfielder Adam Wharton emerging on their radar in recent days, according to journalist Francois Plateau.
He claims that the Reds have made contact with the representatives of the Crystal Palace star, and are set to explore a deal for the 21-year-old.
Plateau also confirmed that Slot’s men aren’t prepared to meet the current £60m price tag on his shoulders, which could lead to negotiations over a move for the England international.
Why Wharton would be a better signing than Wirtz for Liverpool
Liverpool fans have been handed another reason to be excited in recent days, after the club agreed a staggering £116.5m deal with Bayer Leverkusen for attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.
The 22-year-old registered 22 combined goals and assists in the Bundesliga this campaign, with Slot’s side appearing to win the race for his signature after rejecting Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
Whilst such a deal looks set to cost the board a pretty penny, it’s one that would add a different dimension to the squad and has the potential to set them up for success in the immediate and long-term.
His record throughout 2024/25 would hand other attackers to bolster their own tallies, making the Reds an even bigger force to be reckoned with during Slot’s second campaign at the helm.
However, Wharton could prove to be a better signing than the German. While Wirtz will have to rival Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai for a place in the side, the Reds have long missed a holding midfield player, notably trying to sign the likes of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia since Fabinho’s departure.
At long, long last, Wharton could be the man to transform the Liverpool XI even more than Wirtz could. Indeed, when comparing his stats to those of current midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, he’s managed to outperform them in key areas, further showcasing why he’d be a massive addition for the club.
The 21-year-old, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Luke Weaser-Seychell, has managed to complete more progressive passes per 90, along with more key passes – having the ability in possession to aid the attackers ahead of him.
Games played
20
37
35
Goals & assists
2
4
10
Progressive passes
7.3
5.1
6.1
Key passes
1.8
0.7
1.5
Passes into final third
5.3
4.3
4.2
Interceptions made
1.7
1.4
0.7
Clearances made
1.9
1.6
1
Recoveries made
7
5.5
5.1
Wharton has also managed to thrive defensively, making more interceptions than the aforementioned duo, whilst making more recoveries – subsequently offering Slot an added presence at both ends of the pitch.
At just 21, to be outperforming the likes of Mac Allister and Gravenberch is no mean feat, highlighting how impressive he’s been in England’s top flight and having the time to improve further given his tender age.
Should he continue on his current trajectory, he has the potential to be one of the best deep-lying options in world football, with his rumoured price tag at present still an excellent price.
No doubt all the focus and hype is on Wirtz given his English record transfer, but Slot could trump such a move by plotting a move for Wharton – allowing the pair to lead the club to many titles in the years ahead.
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