Adam Wharton Has Already Made Liverpool Transfer Conditions Crystal Clear as Rumours Circle

By Liverpool Echo Sport Staff | Published January 26, 2026

Liverpool are accelerating their pursuit of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, with reports indicating the 21-year-old England international has made his preference for Anfield crystal clear amid swirling transfer speculation[1][2][5].

Wharton, who joined Palace from Blackburn Rovers in 2022, has become a cornerstone of Oliver Glasner's squad, earning three senior England caps and impressing with his composure in the No. 6 role[2]. Contracted until 2029, Palace value him at £60-70 million, with some sources suggesting a deal could climb to £80 million to prise him away[1][2][4]. Despite this, insiders claim Wharton is "getting closer" to a move, having reportedly given his availability for a five-year deal at Liverpool[2][6].

The Merseyside giants, under manager Arne Slot, view Wharton as the ideal long-term partner for Ryan Gravenberch in midfield, targeting him as their top summer priority for 2026 rather than a frantic January switch[1][5]. FSG have held fresh talks, with initial discussions focusing on a substantial bid to bolster the Premier League champions' engine room[1][5]. Wharton, born near Manchester, is said to favor Liverpool over rivals Manchester United, who have also bid, citing a "suitable project" at Anfield[1][2].

Palace boss Glasner is reluctant to lose his star in mid-season, holding a strong position due to the lengthy contract[1]. TEAMtalk notes a January exit is "very difficult, if not impossible," aligning with Liverpool's preference for next summer[1]. Meanwhile, Slot plans a midfield rebuild alongside defensive reinforcements to replace Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate[6].

Wharton's conditions? A top club with ambition—Liverpool ticks every box, fueling predictions of an £80m departure from Selhurst Park[3][4]. As the window nears its close, all eyes are on whether Palace will bend.

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