It would have seemed ludicrous when Liverpool wrapped up their record-breaking summer transfer window that Arne Slot’s side would desperately need reinforcements ahead of January, but here we are.

Liverpool need a signing or two. They need a defender, and they need a left-sided forward after opting against replacing Luis Diaz with an electric touchline winger.

If Mohamed Salah leaves after the African Cup of Nations, as is possible after the Egyptian attacker’s explosive outburst at Elland Road, they will need a new right winger too.

Problem for Slot to solve, but the struggling Premier League champions have improved in recent weeks, and one or two well-placed signings could go a long way to restoring this team’s imperious edge.

It’s perhaps been overlooked at times, but might the central midfield be an area that requires more than a measure of attention?

Liverpool planning to sign Premier League midfielder

Liverpool’s defence has been a mess this season, and while the forwards have enjoyed some measure of success, much has been left to be desired in that department too.

But Liverpool’s midfield is struggling, too slow, too stodgy. Liverpool have not been strong enough in the duel, and they have not produced midfield performances of requisite intensity. Alexis Mac Allister is an example of this, and indeed, evidence that a new deep-lying star is needed.

It won’t be an easy fix, but it’s not one Liverpool can leave untouched for too long.

Perhaps that’s why interest in Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is building, with Merseyside correspondent Lewis Steele confirming this week that the England international is firmly on FSG’s radar.

Wharton is a core part of Oliver Glasner’s high-flying outfit, and he has been valued at £100m. However, Liverpool’s interest is genuine, with DaveOCKOP corroborating Steele’s claims and saying that FSG have held talks with the 21-year-old’s entourage.

What Adam Wharton would bring to Liverpool

The saying goes that a strong attack wins game, but a mean defence wins titles, but why does the midfield get left out of the adage? It is, perhaps, the most important third of a football system, and for a Slot side who are built on the philosophy of controlled, intelligent football, this is especially the case.

Well, Wharton would be a triumph for Liverpool in that regard. Hailed as a “passing machine” by journalist Henry Winter, the Eagles midfielder has incredible vision, ranked among the top 14% of Premier League midfielders for through balls and the top 11% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Liverpool have struggled to build play from midfield and into attack. Alexander Isak is struggling, as is Florian Wirtz. Could it be that someone like Wharton would hold the key to rekindling the Reds’ fluency? Certainly, Liverpool’s interest in Antoine Semenyo makes sense, but Wharton might actually be the better pick for an outfit desperate for control and fluency.

Semenyo would be a welcome addition to a side lacking pace and wide threat. Indeed, Cody Gakpo’s inside-cutting runs have become commonplace on the side’s left channel, and some more variation is needed.

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But Wharton is a special talent, and his ability to grip the reins of influence will only improve. Given the style of football Slot employs, it’s hard to see how he wouldn’t become Liverpool’s nucleus.

As per Sofascore, Wharton has created seven big chances from just 14 Premier League outings this term. He has averaged 1.9 tackles and five recoveries per game, and he has won 55% of his ground duels.

Semenyo, of course, has been in fine fettle himself; a return of seven goals and three assists would attest to that. But the Ghana international has recently broken a two-month-long duck, and for all his directness, he is not a particularly creative winger.

Wharton is the complete package, and given FSG have remained steadfast in their belief that Slot is here for the long run, there can’t be many signings more attractive than that of Wharton for the Anfield side.

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By
Angus Sinclair