£70m England star moving closer to Liverpool transfer

Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes is edging nearer to what would be one of the summer’s most eye-catching Premier League deals, with Crystal Palace now willing to place a price tag on England midfielder Adam Wharton. Sources indicate the Eagles would sanction a sale in the region of £70 million, a valuation Palace regard as conservative given Wharton’s rapid emergence and home-grown credentials.

The development is significant because, until recently, Palace had given no public indication they would entertain offers for the 22-year-old. Their readiness to negotiate, even at the upper end of the price spectrum, has shifted the dynamic and placed Liverpool in pole position ahead of Manchester United, who are also monitoring the situation closely. A gentleman’s agreement between club and player is understood to set a floor of £60-65 million, although some estimates rise as high as €95 million.

Wharton, who has five assists in 26 Premier League appearances this season, was conspicuously rested for Palace’s weekend meeting with Leeds United as manager Oliver Glasler prioritised Thursday’s Europa Conference League return leg. The midfielder's omission only fuelled speculation that a summer move is being actively mapped out.

For Liverpool, the pursuit forms part of a measured midfield refresh. Ryan Gravenberch has already committed to a new long-term deal, while talks are ongoing with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister as the club seek clarity on which core performers will anchor Jürgen Klopp’s succession plan. Adding a proven Premier League operator who counts as homegrown simplifies squad-building and registration headaches.

Competition is stiff. Manchester United retain a longstanding interest, yet their uncertain league position could undermine Wharton’s stated preference for Champions League football. Real Madrid also keep tabs on the player, viewing him as a strategic long-term successor to their ageing midfield hierarchy.

Nicknamed the “English Sergio Busquets” for his composure in possession and positional intelligence, Wharton is already being tipped as a future England regular. Scouts expect him to challenge Elliot Anderson for a starting role alongside Declan Rice at the 2026 World Cup under Thomas Tuchel.

With Palace’s door now ajar, Hughes must decide whether to meet the asking price swiftly or risk a bidding skirmish as Europe’s elite circle. What is clear is that Liverpool have moved a decisive step closer to securing a talent who could define their midfield for the next decade.