Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Crystal Palace’s young midfielder Adam Wharton in the January transfer window, but sources suggest the move is unlikely to happen.
According to Football Insider, Palace see Wharton as a key part of Oliver Glasner’s plans.
With Wharton under contract until 2029, the south London club are being very reluctant to sell in the mid-season window. The message is clear, Liverpool will have to wait.
Wharton is tied to a contract that runs until 2029. This not only gives Palace control over his future but also drives up the price. As reported, releasing him in January would require a “huge fee.” It’s an asset they don’t want to lose cheaply.
Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton is high in demand
Wharton isn’t just on Liverpool’s radar, there are reports that several other Premier League and European clubs are interested. That demand increases his value, but also gives Palace less leverage to entertain lower offers.
However, Pete O’Rourke has confirmed that Palace have no plans of selling the midfielder in January.
He said:
“It’ll be highly unlikely that Palace would entertain any offers for Wharton in January.
“He’s a top player, so if he does become available it won’t just be Liverpool in the market for him, it’ll be most of the big clubs in the Premier League and top European clubs.
“He’s under a long-term contract at Palace until 2029, and it would take a huge fee to prise him away.
“We know how difficult Palace are to deal with, Liverpool found that out when they tried to sign Marc Guehi before Palace pulled the plug on that deal.
“They don’t want to lose Wharton, especially not in January because he would be a very difficult player for them to replace, so they’ll be doing everything they can to keep hold of him.
“We know January is a difficult window to do big deals as well, so I don’t see anything happening in January.”
Liverpool face another transfer setback from Palace
If Wharton is unavailable in January, Liverpool will need to explore other midfield targets or lean more heavily on current options.
Waiting until the summer might be more feasible, especially if Palace hold firm. But that could bring competition from other suitors, given Wharton’s rising profile, they might be forced into a bidding war.
For Liverpool, patience may be required. They might have to wait until the summer to make a serious move if they are to land Wharton.
Palace stopped the Reds from signing Marc Guehi in the summer transfer window and it appears like they are ready to do the same for another of their key player.
Meanwhile, Palace’s stance reinforces their ambition to build, retain talent, and compete, signs that they aren’t content to be a stepping stone for their stars.
How much Crystal Palace are expected to demand for Jean-Philippe Mateta
Palace are much more than a feeder club for bigger clubs whom we beat regularly.
Adam Wharton who is very happy at Palace has 4 years left on his contract with no release clause hence Palace’s valuation of £150m if he was for sale.
No bargains to be had at Palace who have the 5th richest owners and investors in the Premier League and Palace’s future is bright
Interesting read! It’s frustrating for Liverpool, but understandable why Palace is holding onto Wharton. Seems like a tough situation for the Reds if they can’t secure him now or in the summer.Volleyball
This is a great insight into transfer negotiations! It’s frustrating to see Palace hold firm, but it makes sense business-wise. Can’t wait to see how Liverpool adapts!Golf
Interesting read! Its frustrating for Liverpool to chase a player they really want but Palace seems determined to hold onto their assets. Seems like another transfer window wasted for the Reds if they cant secure Wharton.basket ball legends
You mention January three times in that piece, as if Palace were unlikely to sell in January, but hint that Liverpool might get him later on?
Nothing could be further from the truth. Palace won’t sell – full stop!
Everyone knows it, but Liverpool can dream on🤣
Hope he stays with us,a great talent still developing,still very young and plenty of time to join an”elite “ club.