Liverpool join Wharton transfer race amid United interest

Liverpool have been linked with Adam Wharton as the summer market intensifies and top clubs circle.

Liverpool join Wharton transfer chase amid United interest

Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace, according to AS. The 21-year-old has made 46 appearances for Palace since arriving from Blackburn in February 2024 and helped them win the FA Cup last season. The transfer market this summer has seen heavy interest from clubs including Manchester United, with Real Madrid also said to be watching, underlining how sought after Wharton is in midfield terms. Palace are braced for a possible departure as they balance their ladder of exits and potential incoming bids.

AS adds that Palace value Wharton at a price around £69 million, a figure that could shape negotiations. Real Madrid are not expected to move quickly this summer, but the lure of a player of Wharton’s age and profile keeps him on the radar. The late deadline in the window adds pressure for all sides, while Palace manager Oliver Glasner has noted a lack of players available for selection after recent fixtures, underscoring the challenge of negotiating from a position of strength.

This transfer chase highlights how quickly a player’s stock can rise in a crowded market. Wharton’s progression from Championship standout to Premier League regular signals why elite clubs hunt midfield organisers who can control tempo and balance. The race among Liverpool, United and Real Madrid also shows a broader trend: the biggest clubs increasingly mobilize early to lock in targets, even when a deal is not imminent.

The implications go beyond a single bid. If Palace hold out for a big fee, they may set a benchmark that ripples through the rest of the window, shaping how other midfield targets are valued. For Liverpool, a successful move would add a strategic option in a season where top teams are chasing a consistent spine to their teams.

Highlights

The transfer market keeps reminding us that plans can turn on a single bid.