Liverpool, in many ways, are evidence of money not being everything in football. The club had always spent wisely when led by Jurgen Klopp, cashing in for big money and carefully picking budding talents to develop into superstars.

This summer, having won the Premier League so spectacularly with Arne Slot last year, FSG felt it was the right time to hit the big button and indulge in a spending spree. Many high-level signings have arrived at Anfield.

However, Liverpool may still be frustrated to have missed out on Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, especially now that Giovanni Leoni has been ruled out for a year with a knee injury.

Liverpool may well return for the England defender, but Guehi isn’t the only Premier League talent they plan to bid for in 2026.

Liverpool still interested in Premier League star

There’s no question that Liverpool need to reinforce their central defence next year. However, Slot might also feel his midfield needs some work. Tactical imbalances have knocked the Reds out of kilter.

That’s why FSG dream of signing Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton next summer, retaining an interest in the England international. That’s according to the Daily Mail, who believe the Eagles hope to tie the 21-year-old down to a new deal to ward off persistent suitors.

Valued at £75m, Wharton has been a revelation at Selhurst Park, instrumental under Oliver Glasner.

Liverpool will be confident that they can secure the maestro’s signature, but his performances have also attracted the likes of Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

The competition is thick, but this is a player worth pushing for. It might even prove to be a signing that eclipses all others the Merseysiders could make, even landing Guehi.

What Adam Wharton would bring to Liverpool

Described as “the best U21 player in the Prem” by one analyst, Wharton has been exceptional since joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers for £22m in February 2024.

A master of the pass and tenacious when winning the ball back, Wharton has played 53 times for his London-based club, nestled in the centre of the park.

He has been vital in constructing an enviable style of play, Glasner utilising him as an all-encompassing engine.

Crystal Palace

9

26

Man City

15

21

Arsenal

14

19

Chelsea

13

19

Liverpool

13

19

Palace have not the same calibre of firepower in the final third as some of the Premier League’s biggest hitters, but they aren’t half bad in front of goal.

Much of this stems from slick build-up play from midfield, and Wharton has been at the very heart of this, with no player matching his five big chances created so far.

As per FBref, the Three Lions star ranks among the top 6% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for through balls and the top 7% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Shot-creating actions are pieces of play that lead to a shot. These include moments such as a pass, take-on or foul being drawn.

Liverpool are suffering from a degree of isolation between the thirds right now. This has been accentuated blindingly by Alexis Mac Allister’s poor form.

And that’s why Wharton could be such an incredible addition, opening up a dimension and weaving together the disjointed midfield and frontline parts.

Liverpool have an elite group of players capable of dominating English and European football for many years. But something is missing, to be sure, and a player of Wharton’s style could work wonders in easing the midfield load on Ryan Gravenberch’s shoulders and restore the title-winning fluidity that worked so well last season.