Liverpool eye move for Wharton to replace Jones

Besides Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid are keeping tabs on him, and Chelsea have been linked.

Lauded as ‘a good technician’ by former England boss Gareth Southgate, his ability to dictate games and pry opposition backlines open makes him an unbelievable weapon.

While he is a very different profile from Mac Allister and Jones, he will make an equally excellent player for Liverpool boss Arne Slot.

But even with the growing excitement around Wharton, Liverpool cannot afford to lose sight of their most glaring midfield need in the engine room.

This is a side that has too often been left exposed in transition, with the backline lacking consistent protection when possession turns over.

Slot’s system truly demands a specialist defensive midfielder, someone who can read danger, break up play, and anchor the team structurally.

Without that presence, Liverpool risk repeating the same vulnerabilities that have plagued them in big moments.

Before splashing £80 million on creativity, Liverpool must prioritise steel, discipline, and control at the base of midfield.