Having secured the Premier League title in the 2024/25 season, Liverpool is clearly not resting on their laurels and aims to remain a dominant force next season.
They won the league comfortably, finishing 10 points clear, with only four losses in 38 games, two of which occurred after the title was already sealed in Arne Slot`s debut season.
It was a memorable year, as the club elevated its performance under the new manager, achieving this impressive feat with just one major signing the previous summer.
This summer, however, it seems the club`s management is providing substantial financial support to Slot for his goal of defending the title in the 2025/26 season.
Jeremie Frimpong has already been confirmed as a Liverpool player, and Milos Kerkez seems next on the list, indicating their transfer activity is far from over.
Updates on Liverpool`s Summer Transfer Activity
In recent weeks, Slot has reportedly prioritized signing a striker to add a clinical edge to the attack at Anfield.
Players like Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitiké, and Viktor Gyokeres have been linked, but currently, none seem close to joining the Reds.
However, other positions also require strengthening, and journalist Francois Plateau reports that midfielder Adam Wharton has recently appeared on their radar.
Plateau claims Liverpool has contacted the Crystal Palace player`s representatives and intends to explore a potential transfer for the 21-year-old.
Plateau also noted that Slot`s team is unwilling to meet the current £60 million valuation, suggesting negotiations might be necessary for a deal for the England international.
Why Wharton Could Be a Better Fit Than Wirtz for Liverpool
Liverpool fans recently had more reason to be excited when the club reportedly agreed a massive £116.5 million transfer fee with Bayer Leverkusen for attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.
The 22-year-old contributed 22 goals and assists in the Bundesliga last season, and Liverpool reportedly beat Manchester City and Bayern Munich to his signing.
While this deal is expected to be expensive, it would undoubtedly enhance the squad and potentially pave the way for both immediate and long-term success.
His performance in 2024/25 would help other attackers improve their output, making Liverpool an even more formidable team in Slot`s second season.
However, Wharton might turn out to be a more impactful signing than the German. While Wirtz would compete with players like Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool has lacked a dedicated defensive midfielder since Fabinho left, having previously pursued players like Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
Wharton could finally be the player to significantly transform Liverpool`s midfield, perhaps even more so than Wirtz. His statistics, when compared to current midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, show him outperforming them in crucial areas, highlighting his potential value.
The 21-year-old, whom journalist Luke Weaser-Seychell called “world-class,” excels in possession, completing more progressive passes and key passes per 90 minutes than the current midfielders, demonstrating his ability to link with the attack.
| How Wharton compares to Gravenberch & Mac Allister in the PL (2024/25) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Statistics (per 90) | Wharton | Gravenberch | Mac Allister |
| 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 |
Defensively, Wharton also shines, making more interceptions and recoveries than Gravenberch and Mac Allister, providing Slot with a valuable presence both in defense and attack.
Outperforming established players like Mac Allister and Gravenberch at only 21 is a significant achievement, showing his impressive form in the Premier League and suggesting considerable room for future development.
If he continues on this path, he could become one of the world`s top deep-lying midfielders, and his current rumored price tag still represents good value.
While much attention is on Wirtz due to the potential record transfer fee, Slot could make an equally impactful move by signing Wharton, potentially forming a partnership that leads Liverpool to many future titles.
