Liverpool are the latest entrants in the race to sign Crystal Palace prodigy Adam Wharton. The 20-year-old has become one of the best local prospects since the Eagles setup and due to the great interest shown in him, a transfer to one of the larger sides it could only be a matter of time.
According to journalist Ekrem Konur (h/t TEAMtalk)Liverpool hopes to beat their archrival manchester united to sign Wharton. The report adds that they are willing to bid around £38 million for the English youngster, although Palace are expected to ask for at least £54 million to consider selling him.
There is speculation that Liverpool have already “held talks” over Wharton's transfer. However, Crystal Palace has significant negotiating power given that its contract with the club is valid until June 2029.
Manchester United, for their part, are also seriously considering signing two deep midfielders, casemiro and Christian Eriksen, who face an uncertain future at Old Trafford.
Everything indicates that Liverpool will ruin the agreement with United
Manchester United intends to form a young team and it is not surprising that they show interest in signing Wharton. However, it remains to be seen whether they are in a position to spend £54m in January after spending a lot of money in the summer.
Meanwhile, Liverpool can afford to sign Wharton as they did not make too many deals in the recently concluded transfer window. Federico Chiesa was their only signing, while Giorgi Mamardashvili will join the club in 2025.
The Reds may even offer the player the chance to play in the champions leaguesomething that cannot be said for United given that they lurk in 14th place in the standings. first division and they still haven't won even a european league match so far in the campaign.
It will be interesting to see which way the tide swings and whether other clubs, in addition to their arch-rivals, are in the fight for Wharton, but don't rule out clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, city of manchester and Tottenham Hotspur are also bidding for his signing.