Liverpool’s intense summer transfer window is reaching its climax, with negotiations for Alexander Isak and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi advancing as Monday’s deadline approaches.
After securing the Premier League title last season with limited additions, Arne Slot’s side have invested heavily in recent months, strengthening the defensive flanks and reshaping the attack. The arrivals of Hugo Ekitike and British-record signing Florian Wirtz suggest the foundation of a dynamic partnership for the years ahead.
Liverpool’s start to the new campaign has been marked by inconsistency and a slightly disjointed tactical structure. Such turbulence was always a possibility in the early stages of Slot’s second season, given the significant changes and upheaval since the title triumph in May.
One department that has not been a major focus is the midfield. Although Wirtz operates as an attacking midfielder, his natural style sees him consistently involved in the final third rather than dictating the central areas.
This leaves the question of whether Liverpool should still look to reinforce their midfield options before the transfer window closes on Monday.
Why Liverpool Could Sign a Midfielder
The summer of 2023 marked a period of major transition for Liverpool, with long-serving figures such as Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Fabinho departing to make way for a fresh wave of midfield recruits.
Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo arrived and have each played crucial roles in the club’s silverware-laden run since, continuing to stand as key members of the current squad.
Gravenberch, who earned the 2024/25 Young Player of the Year award, proved especially pivotal in securing the Premier League title. Having struggled for prominence in his first season in England, he excelled as a number six, filling a vital role with authority and composure.
Yet the Netherlands international began to show signs of fatigue towards the latter stages of the campaign, starting 37 Premier League matches under Arne Slot. Remarkably, he had not missed a single minute of league or Champions League action until December.
Endo, meanwhile, has been industrious and reliable, though he is not typically relied upon in the most high-profile fixtures. As such, Liverpool may look to bring in another deep-lying midfielder before the transfer deadline passes.
Liverpool Planning Move for Premier League Star
According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are pressing strongly for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, with the race for the England international set to continue until the final hours of the transfer window.
Palace, already having sanctioned Eberechi Eze’s move to Arsenal and with Marc Guehi potentially heading to Liverpool, are determined to stand firm. The south London club have placed a £100 million valuation on the 21-year-old as they brace for late bids from across Europe.
Liverpool, however, face formidable competition in their pursuit, with Manchester City and Real Madrid both prepared to challenge the Reds for the highly regarded ball-playing midfielder.
What Adam Wharton Would Bring to Liverpool
Injuries curtailed Wharton’s Premier League involvement last season, yet his breakthrough at the top level underlined his considerable potential, drawing comparisons to the quality and influence Ryan Gravenberch displayed under Arne Slot’s guidance last year.
| PL – Wharton (23/24) vs Gravenberch (24/25) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats (* per game) | Wharton | Gravenberch |
| Matches (starts) | 16 (15) | 37 (37) |
| Goals | 0 | 0 |
| Assists | 3 | 4 |
| Touches* | 49.6 | 66.5 |
| Pass completion | 81% | 89% |
| Big chances created | 5 | 3 |
| Key passes* | 1.3 | 0.9 |
| Dribble success | 60% | 1.0 |
| Ball recoveries* | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Tackles + interceptions* | 4.3 | 3.5 |
| Duels (won)* | 4.9 (54%) | 5.0 (57%) |
| Data via Sofascore | ||
Wharton possesses a smoothness in possession reminiscent of Gravenberch, but he also offers a broader passing repertoire. According to FBref, he ranks in the top eight percent of midfielders in Europe for shot-creating actions, the top 13 percent for progressive passes, the top 15 percent for through balls, and the top five percent for ball recoveries per 90 minutes.
Such qualities suggest he could be an ideal addition to complement Alexander Isak. The striker’s intelligent movement, progressive play and clinical finishing appear perfectly suited to Wharton’s incisive passing, with his ability to consistently thread precise balls between the lines making him a potentially transformative signing.
Isak, 25, was described by pundit Ally McCoist last year as the “best all-round centre-forward” in English football. While he may not possess the extraordinary ball-striking power of Erling Haaland, the Sweden international is a multifaceted forward, providing far more than a simple focal point for his teammates’ creativity.
His link-up play and footballing intelligence, both in possession and out of it, are of the highest standard. Isak consistently unsettles defenders with his movement, timing and awareness, knowing precisely when to make the decisive run.
Though comparisons have often been drawn with Hugo Ekitike, Isak’s core strength lies in his clinical finishing. The rest of his attributes serve as valuable layers to an already complete attacking profile. For Liverpool, he would not only bring greater dynamism to the frontline but also offer the ideal outlet for a playmaker like Wharton to exploit.
Wharton would compete with Gravenberch for a starting role, but last season highlighted the importance of fostering such competition within the squad, particularly if Liverpool are to push deep into multiple competitions while also defending their Premier League crown.
Labelled a “passing machine” by journalist Henry Winter, the Crystal Palace midfielder brings far more than distribution to his game. His all-round qualities explain why Europe’s elite clubs are lining up to secure his signature.
Whether Liverpool’s efforts are ultimately successful remains uncertain, but there is little doubt that Wharton has the ability to elevate Slot’s midfield and provide the kind of service that could maximise Isak’s impact.
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