Following their last-gasp 3-2 collapse to Bournemouth on Saturday, Arne Slot’s Liverpool are now pondering how they can salvage their underwhelming season as the race for UEFA Champions League spots heats up.
With Manchester United and Chelsea now leapfrogging them in the table, the Reds, like other teams, are seeking ways to halt their decline.
Some of their questions may be answered within the ongoing January transfer window.
One of the names they have been linked with is Crystal Palace’s crown jewel Adam Wharton. However, club sources have moved to shut down the noise.
According to Liverpool ECHO, reports linking Wharton to the Reds are wide of the mark.
The Reds are not pursuing a move for the England midfielder. The club hierarchy believes the squad is well-stocked in central areas. Hence, do not view a move for the 21-year-old as necessary.
Wharton is valued between £65m–£80m, but Liverpool sources insist he is not an "active target" for the Premier League champions. The midfielder has also been linked with a move to Manchester United.
Wharton has been remarkably candid about his future before. During an interview with Sky Sports in 2025, Wharton, an FA Cup winner with Palace, never hid his ambitions.
"Champions League, if you can play in it, you want to," Wharton said.
"I want to reach the highest level possible. There is a World Cup in the summer, and everyone wants to play in it."
The irony won't be lost on Liverpool fans. As Wharton sets a "Champions League" condition for his next move, Liverpool’s own status in that competition for next season is suddenly in jeopardy.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will make a move, but Wharton’s move to a bigger team seems a matter of when rather than if.
