da wazamba： Liverpool’s poor run of form this season has continued, and the Reds have now dropped out of the top four after their defeat to Bournemouth and Manchester United’s win away to Arsenal.

da marjack bet： Arne Slot’s second season in charge is certainly not working out, despite spending hundreds of millions in the summer.

It could well be the case that the Premier League champions look to do some late business in the January transfer window. They missed out on signing Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, but there are reports which suggest there could still be a high-profile signing joining the club.

Indeed, there could be a mini-overhaul of the midfield at Anfield, in the immediate future or at the end of the season.

Liverpool target Premier League midfield star

There could well be a significant outgoing in the midfield before the month is up.

Boyhood Liverpool star Curtis Jones is said to be a target for Tottenham Hotspur, with a £30m price tag set. However, it is unclear if that will be enough to convince the Reds to sell.

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Regardless, that is a sale that could fund a move for one of the Premier League’s most reputable midfield stars.

According to reports, FSG have ‘held fresh talks’ with Crystal Palace to sign England midfielder Adam Wharton.

The 21-year-old is said to see Anfield as his ideal destination when he does depart South London, which seems inevitable at this stage. Manchester United and Real Madrid are also keen on his signature, in a deal which could cost upwards of £100m, according to some reports.

What Wharton will bring to Liverpool’s midfield

Blackburn-born star Wharton is one of three highly-rated Premier League midfielders, alongside Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba, who have been tipped for a big move this summer. If Liverpool pull off the signing of Wharton, it will be a significant coup.

Described as a “special talent” by scout Jacek Kulig, the Palace number 20 has played a key role in the middle of the park for Oliver Glasner’s side this term. Wharton has made 31 appearances across all competitions, sitting at the base of the midfield and operating as a true metronome.

Indeed, his ability to control the game is second to none, progressing play forward and breaking lines with ease. Off the ball, he’s never looked out of his depth, able to break up play. The best example of that came in the 2025 FA Cup Final, where he shone against Manchester City.

Not only does Wharton very much pass the eye test, but some of his underlying stats from the Premier League this season make for good reading.

For example, he’s made 109 recoveries and completed 48 long balls, both of which rank him in the top 8% of midfielders in the top-flight.

Wharton key stats in 25/26 PL

Stat

Season total

PL rank

Long balls completed

48

Top 8%

Chances created

26

Top 12%

Duels won

100

Top 13

Ball recoveries

109

Top 8%

Possession won in final third

12

Top 7%

Stats from Fotmob

If the Reds are to get this deal over the line, the three-cap England international could be the perfect midfield partner for Dominik Szoboszlai. It has been a poor campaign for the Reds, but their number eight has been a true standout player, perhaps even their man of the season so far.

Reds legend Steven Gerrard said as recently as last week that there is “a world-class level there for him,” claiming he’s demonstrated that this term. He has eight goals and six assists in 31 games, operating all over the pitch, though his best role further forward as a box crashing midfielder.

Paired with Wharton, it could be a match made in heaven for Liverpool. They are certainly energetic and combative enough to play alongside each other and execute a high press. The Hungarian’s nine final third possessions won this term are just three fewer than Wharton’s tally.

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Szoboszlai would also have a license to get forward, knowing someone with the ability of the Palace star, who can dictate play and control tempo from deep, is behind him. As a pairing, it could be the dream combination for the Reds.

£100m is certainly a lot of money, but Wharton is surely worth that investment, especially if he can help make Szoboszlai an even better player.

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