£70m Liverpool transfer could get advanced very quickly after massive Friday update

The key thing for Liverpool, however, as far as we at Empire of the Kop are concerned, is ensuring that we have a clear idea about the makeup of our midfield going into the 2026/27 season.

The most logical next step is to establish Florian Wirtz as your bolt-on No.10 behind a rank of three attackers. Once we establish that, we know we’re potentially looking at a double pivot behind the Germany international.

And at least one of those two options needs to be a “battler” who can win duels as well as be comfortable on the ball.

Does Wharton fit that particular bill?

What do the stats say about Wharton at Crystal Palace?

For Jeremain Pennant, the choice is simple. Wharton or Elliott Anderson should be at the top of Liverpool’s list to fill the No.6 spot.

Now, we can’t really see us forking out the £100m or so that Nottingham Forest want for the 23-year-old. So that leaves his Crystal Palace counterpart – reportedly valued at £70m (Football 365). That’s a figure we can see Liverpool uhming and ahing over less.

Now, statistically speaking, we can see why Adam Wharton has caught the eye at Anfield.

* Adam Wharton stats at Crystal Palace in 2025/26 (per 90) in the Premier League (Fotmob)

He’s clearly one of the most creative midfielders in the Premier League at this moment in time.

The big concern for us, however, is what the Englishman offers againstthe ball. We’re not necessarily fussed with his limited defensive contributions (10.49 per 90, ranking in the 56th percentile).

But there should be an eyebrow or two raised at his limited duels won percentage (49.6% per 90, ranking in the 33rd percentile).

Ideally, Liverpool need a player who can do both to a more than proficient standard.

Of course, if we do end up losing both Jones and Mac Allister this summer, we could see this being a transfer that gets moved along quite quickly ahead of the World Cup.

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