Jermaine Pennant Names Liverpool's Next Signing After Jeremy Jacquet Transfer

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has pinpointed Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as the club's ideal next signing, emphasizing his potential to bolster the Reds' midfield amid ongoing squad rebuild efforts[1].

In a recent interview with AceOdds, Pennant highlighted Wharton's qualities after Liverpool reportedly sealed the transfer of Jeremy Jacquet, signaling continued defensive reinforcement. Pennant described Wharton as his "dream move" for Liverpool, praising the young Englishman's tackling ability, vision, and composure in tight situations. "Every time I have seen him he has been immense. He is good at tackling, but he also has great vision. He doesn't mind being in tight situations. He is young, he is only going to get better," Pennant said[1].

The endorsement comes as Liverpool, having invested around $600 million last summer, still seeks midfield depth and defensive options. Current pivot player Ryan Gravenberch has impressed but lacks competition, with Wataru Endo sidelined by injury. Wharton, a Crystal Palace star, is seen as the perfect addition to elevate the squad, especially with manager Arne Slot under scrutiny despite an 11-match unbeaten run[1][4].

However, competition is fierce: Manchester City, Chelsea, and Manchester United are also interested. Crystal Palace, already losing Marc Guehi and potentially Jean-Philippe Mateta, plus manager Oliver Glasner's announced departure, may resist another sale[1].

Pennant, who joined Liverpool in 2006 for £6.7 million and scored against Chelsea in 2007, remains vocal on transfers. He recently urged January spending to avoid "destroying" the season and questioned missing out on Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo[2][3][5]. With Xabi Alonso now available post-Real Madrid sacking, Slot faces added pressure, but Wharton could be the key midfield coup[4].

This potential move aligns with Liverpool's ambitions to sustain their Premier League title defense and European push.