Thomas Tuchel has just done Liverpool a potential transfer favour with his England World Cup squad
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Liverpool fans had few reasons to be interested in the England World Cup squad announcement on Friday, with no Reds players present in Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man group.It is the first time since 1986 that not a single Liverpool player features in an England squad for a major tournament, adding to the ever-growing disconnect between Reds fans and the national team.Nevertheless, looking away from those who were selected, there was some intrigue to be had in those who did not make the squad. For Liverpool, this perhaps manifested itself the most in Tuchel’s decision to overlook Adam Wharton, who has been heavily linked with the Reds ahead of the summer.
13 Premier League defeats would be more than Brendan Rodgers’ last full season!!Credit: Winslow Townson/Getty Images Wharton’s World Cup omission could help LiverpoolWharton has been named as a ‘dream’ target for Liverpool as they look to beef up their midfield options this summer.That would likely still have been the case had he travelled to the USA, Canada and Mexico, but it does help Liverpool’s cause ever so slightly to see his summer suddenly become free.It means that Wharton’s full focus can now be on securing a top-level move away from Crystal Palace, something that has started to look inevitable throughout the second half of the season.Once he does move, the 22-year-old can also take part in a full pre-season at his new club, avoiding the struggles Liverpool saw Alexander Isak in particular have last year. Having time to settle in slowly rather than have to hit the ground running on the back of a tournament is clearly beneficial to any player joining a new team.Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Why Rio Ngumoha is set to travel to USA with England despite not being called up for the World CupLiverpool can move to sign Wharton without added competitionAlthough clubs are much more thorough in the way they do business now, there is still the possibility of players becoming more sought after following major tournaments.Had Wharton put in some brilliant performances, for example, then it could have increased the competition for his signature and allowed Crystal Palace an excuse to raise his price again.
The Eagles are expected to be looking for around £80m to sell Wharton as it is, and any furthering of that fee could mean Liverpool dropping out of the race.That could still happen, of course, and top clubs are already well aware of just how good Wharton is. But without a World Cup to showcase his skills further, Liverpool can now make their moves to get themselves in pole position without any surprises.Finally, Wharton has already had a bumper year for Palace having been involved in their run to the Europa Conference League final.