Updated: 1 May 2026 14:46 BST |
4 min read
Liverpool’s planning for the upcoming summer transfer window is in full swing, and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton could soon become their second signing.
2025/26 has been a season to forget for the Reds. Liverpool failed miserably to defend their Premier League title and will end the season with no silverware. One consolation is that they now look set to qualify for the Champions League, which wasn’t always guaranteed.
There will once again be plenty of turnover at Anfield this summer. Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah have already confirmed their departures. Legendary goalkeeper Alisson could follow suit as he is in talks with Juventus and reportedly interested in returning to Italy.
Fringe players like Curtis Jones, Federico Chiesa and Joe Gomez could also be on the move. Unsurprisingly, then, Liverpool are trying to get a head start on summer transfers.
In January, the Reds completed the signing of Stade Rennais centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, who will be the club’s first arrival of the new window. The second recruit may already be waiting in the wings as well.
Liverpool in advanced Wharton talks
According to transfer insider Matteo Moretto, Liverpool are in “advanced talks” with Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who began being strongly linked with the Anfield outfit last week.
Although the England star had been associated with Liverpool before, the rumours went quiet in the early weeks of the new year because Liverpool were apparently targeting a more attack-minded midfielder in the mould of Morgan Rogers.
Now, however, Liverpool appear to have shifted their focus back to the 22-year-old, who is understood to be keen to join a Champions League club this summer. He is fully expected to become Palace’s next big-money sale.
In accelerating their pursuit of Wharton, Liverpool have “preempted” a potential move from Real Madrid, says Moretto. Los Blancos are known to be long-standing admirers of the midfielder.
Wharton is not the only player Liverpool appear to be chasing with increasing urgency. The signing of a new winger to replace Salah is also on the agenda. The club’s interest in RB Leipzig wonderkid Yan Diomande has been well documented.
Now, Moretto and The Times report that Liverpool have also reignited their interest in PSG star Bradley Barcola, who was already considered last summer. His future remains shrouded in uncertainty despite the Parisians’ desire to agree a new contract with him.
Speculation that Barcola could be tempted to leave the club has been raging since this time last year, when he found his place in the team threatened by January signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Though Barcola has played a fair bit this season, there is a belief that Liverpool could lure him to Anfield with the promise of a guaranteed starting berth.
Related stories:
Liverpool receive fresh Michael Olise transfer message
Xabi Alonso ‘forced to consider’ becoming Chelsea manager after Liverpool ‘betrayal’
Transfer Rumours: Man Utd get huge Rafael Leao discount with Milan open to Rashford swap deal
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
•Google Play
•App Store
