Liverpool transfers: Midfield struggles set to end in January window

Across the past three years, Liverpool have been searching for a new target to strengthen the base of their midfield.

Since Brazilian international Fabinho left for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia last year, the Reds have focused their efforts on bolstering their midfield, but have so far been unsuccessful, with stop-gap Wataro Endo ill-favoured by Arne Slot and Ryan Gravenberch temporarily filling in.

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Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia opted for Chelsea last year, Martin Zubimendi declined the club’s interest this summer in favour of his boyhood club Real Sociedad.

However, Football Insider is now reporting that the club could be set to make a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton in January.

While the club normally focuses their efforts on the summer transfer window, the signings of Virgil van Dijk, Luis Diaz, Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho all happened in January and with the Reds looking at Wharton, we could be in for another statement signing in the near future.

Crystal Palace want £100m for Wharton

Following a £22million move from Championship club Blackburn Rovers in 2022, the 20-year-old has lit up the Premier League and is now a key player in Oliver Glasner’s team.

His commanding presence across the pitch earned him a debut call-up to England’s Euro 2024 squad, but he was subsequently left on the bench throughout the tournament and he was not named in Lee Carsley’s squad for the September internationals.

Despite these setbacks, Crystal Palace remain firm in their reported valuation of £100 million for the star, but after Liverpool's £110million bid for Caicedo was rejected last year, the club has shown that the money is available for such an important role in the team.

Liverpool face City competition for Wharton

It is rumoured that the Reds may face competition from Manchester City for Wharton, should Real Madrid increase their interest in Rodri.

The Spaniard has been integral to Manchester City’s success since 2019, stepping up in key moments throughout his career, most notably scoring the winning goal in the Champions League in the treble-winning season in 2022-23.

According to Spanish outlet AS, a move back to his hometown could be an enticing prospect, as City's attempts to tie him down to a contract beyond 2027 have so far been unsuccessful.

As a result, the reigning Premier League champions would need a replacement and with the 2024 Euros winner likely to command a high fee, Wharton may be their new target.

But with three months before the January window, Liverpool may have identified their target already and could move swiftly if it is necessary to get the transfer over the line.