Liverpool have some clear targets to sign during the remaining days of the 2025 summer transfer window.

The Reds have been pushing to get both Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi for some time now, and may yet wrap up deals for both.

Isak’s situation has dominated headlines for months, while Rousing The Kop revealed on Friday that Guehi joining Liverpool is still very possible.

But if centre-forward and centre-back are priorities for Liverpool this year, then next year may be all about the midfield once again.

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The Reds are well-stocked in the middle of the pitch having signed four new players two years ago, three of whom are regular starters.

Come 2026, though, one or two things may have to be looked at.

Adam Wharton has been linked and after an excellent 18 months at Crystal Palace, he is a player many fans would love to see at Anfield.

But according to the Spanish press, Liverpool need to watch out for Real Madrid.

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Although Liverpool’s midfield is in good shape at the moment, there is a strong argument that they need better rotation for Ryan Gravenberch.

Question marks remain over Curtis Jones’ effectiveness, while Wataru Endo is not fully trusted by Arne Slot.

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Stefan Bajcetic should not be forgotten about, but in the event that the Spaniard cannot get up to speed this year, someone like Wharton would be an exceptional addition in 2026.

And according to AS, the 21-year-old ‘features prominently’ on Liverpool’s shortlist, but they reportedly have stiff competition to sign him.

READ MORE: What Liverpool are likely to do if they cannot sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle before deadline day

Plenty of that will seemingly come from Real Madrid, who are said to be readying ‘a slow-burn operation’ to buy Wharton if he is still at Palace come the end of the current window.

Los Blancos will reportedly ‘slowly build bridges’ if they are given the green light that a move could be possible.

With Liverpool, Man City and Man United all claimed to be very keen on Wharton as well, though, and Palace ‘not picking up the phone’ for anything less than £70m, there is still a way to run in this saga.

While there is a strong case that Liverpool could do with some midfield additions over the next year, it feels unlikely that they’ll go big to get Wharton.

Despite a slight lack of depth, Slot has very good starting options currently within the Liverpool squad.

Should Wharton come in for such a big fee, he will do so as a starter.

Not Mac Allister who remains one of Slot’s most important figures, and not Dominik Szoboszlai or Florian Wirtz who are totally different players.

So, while Liverpool would no doubt love to sign Wharton, it feels as though this may be a case of right player, wrong time.

Reds fans may just have to settle for seeing their Premier League rivals also missing out on the England international as well.
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