Liverpool's search for a new defensive midfielder has been long and well documented. Two summers ago, the Reds agreed to pay Martín Zubimendi's Real Sociedad release clause, only for him to chose to stay in San Sebastián, before moving to Arsenal 12 months later.
Thus, Ryan Gravenberch has made himself the first-choice defensive midfielder across the last two seasons, but new head coach Andoni Iraola is in the market for a specialist for this role.
Liverpool, as well as Manchester United, were seemingly in the race for Wolves' João Gomes, but he has decided to join Aston Villa for £38 million.
As an alternative, could the Reds recruit someone much better?
Liverpool identify top midfield target
As reported by Robin Bairner of Football Transfers, Liverpool have made Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton "their top target", prioritising a move for the Englishman, having passed up the opportunity to sign Gomes. Within the report it also states the Eagles value Wharton at around £100 million, using Elliot Anderson's move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City for £116 million as a benchmark.
The Reds spent a combined £240m on both Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak last summer, having never previously done so before, but could be set to spend big again. So, could Wharton soon swap South London for Merseyside?
What Adam Wharton would bring to Liverpool
Adam Wharton scores his first Crystal Palace goal in his 94th appearance! 🦅 pic.twitter.com/45KVoHAaEF
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 17, 2026
The 22-year-old has been one of the most highly-rated midfielders in the Premier League pretty much from the day he arrived at Crystal Palace, joining from Blackburn Rovers in the winter window of 2024, key to their triumphs in the FA Cup and UEFA Conference League.
Still only 22 years old, he has earned four England caps, starting last November's qualifying victory over Albania at Arena Kombëtare, with many onlookers bewildered as to why Thomas Tuchel did not take him to the World Cup.
So, would he be worth the astronomically high price tag that Liverpool would have to pay? Well, let's first and foremost analyse whether or not he is a better option than João Gomes.
Adam Wharton vs João Gomes 25/26 Premier League stats
Statistics | Adam Wharton | João Gomes |
|---|---|---|
Minutes | 2,562 | 2,833 |
Chances created | 44 | 16 |
Completed passes per 90 | 34.2 | 39.6 |
Through-balls | 20 | 3 |
Forward passes | 452 | 363 |
Ball recoveries | 165 | 194 |
Interceptions | 26 | 35 |
Touches per 90 | 59.6 | 65 |
Note: All statistics courtesy of Squawka.
The statistics actually reveal that these two are extremely different midfielders. Gomes' numbers are much higher when it comes to ball recoveries, interceptions, tackles and duels, suggesting that the Brazilian thrives when out of possession.
Given how terrible Wolverhampton Wanderers were last season, winning only three Premier League games and finishing bottom and were relegated from the Premier League, they were out of possession a lot of the time, which may have skewed this statistic.
Meantime, Wharton is significantly ahead in terms of chances created, through-balls and forward passes, underlining that he is an outstanding progressive passer, able to create opportunities for those ahead of him when in possession.
Well, the latter is surely more what Liverpool need, much more of a tactical fit for how Iraola will construct a side regularly tasked with breaking down low defensive blocks.
Wharton is clearly an exceptional talent. Whether he is worth £100 million, especially considering his patchy injury record, is another discussion, but he would certainly improve this squad, far more than Gomes would have done, that is not up for debate.
Add us as a preferred source on Google