Key Takeaways:
- Crystal Palace have firmly rejected Liverpool’s advances for Adam Wharton ahead of the January window
- Arne Slot and Richard Hughes have drawn up a four-player shortlist for transfers in 2026
- Liverpool continue to monitor Carlos Baleba, Marc Guehi, and Michael Olise as part of their long-term plans
Crystal Palace Stand Firm Over Adam Wharton Amid Liverpool Interest
Liverpool have encountered a significant obstacle in their efforts to sign Adam Wharton during the January transfer period, with Crystal Palace making it clear they are unwilling to enter negotiations for the England midfielder. Wharton, who has earned a single cap for his country, remains a highly coveted figure and is one of four names on Arne Slot’s primary list of targets for 2026.
The Merseyside club have already invested roughly £440m (€505m, $598m) in new arrivals this summer and have begun the season strongly, registering victories in all six of their opening competitive fixtures. Despite the substantial overhaul – with 19 senior players arriving or departing permanently – Slot alongside sporting director Richard Hughes continues to shape the squad for future campaigns.
🚨 Liverpool have been told they have next to no chance of persuading Crystal Palace to sell them Adam Wharton in the January transfer window.
(Source: @TEAMtalk) pic.twitter.com/EvsGGplj4U
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) September 24, 2025
Liverpool’s 2026 Transfer Vision
Sources indicate Liverpool’s recruitment strategy extends into both transfer windows of 2026, with at least one new midfielder, and successors for both Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk, earmarked as priorities. Wharton’s performances have elevated him to the top of the Reds’ shortlist. However, according to Pete O’Rourke via the Inside Track podcast, Palace have “zero intentions” of parting with Wharton in January and would not be swayed even by a £60m bid.
O’Rourke commented: “It’ll be highly unlikely that Palace would entertain any offers for Wharton in January… He’s under a long-term contract at Palace until 2029, and it would take a huge fee to prise him away.” The Eagles’ reputation for being tough negotiators is well established, demonstrated by their handling of Marc Guehi on deadline day when Liverpool’s approach was rebuffed.
Liverpool Weigh Up Alternatives and Long-Term Targets
Despite Palace’s refusal, Liverpool are adopting a patient stance. They appear prepared to reassess in the summer rather than force a January deal, recognising the challenges inherent in winter transfers and clubs’ reluctance to lose key assets mid-season. Wharton remains the favoured target, but Liverpool are also tracking Carlos Baleba, the Brighton midfielder valued at over £100m and previously linked with Manchester United. At present, Wharton is considered the more pragmatic option from a financial perspective.
| Player | Current Club | Position | Contract Until | Reported Valuation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Wharton | Crystal Palace | Midfielder | 2029 | £60m+ |
| Carlos Baleba | Brighton | Midfielder | Not specified | £100m+ |
| Marc Guehi | Crystal Palace | Centre-back | Not specified | Not specified |
| Michael Olise | Bayern Munich | Right winger | Not specified | Not specified |
Focus on Guehi and Olise as Future Anfield Recruits
Beyond midfield reinforcements, Liverpool’s interest in Marc Guehi, aged 25, persists. While a move in January remains a possibility, the club may opt to wait until summer to secure his services, potentially on a free transfer. Additionally, Liverpool are monitoring Michael Olise, who transferred to Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace in summer 2024. The French international, now regarded as one of the world’s premier right-sided attackers at age 23, is understood to be the leading candidate to succeed Salah at Anfield.
Notable Liverpool News: Van Dijk, Konate and Transfer Speculation
Liverpool supporters expressed outrage following events at the 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, believing Virgil van Dijk was undervalued and that league bias favoured a former Manchester United player in the voting. In other developments, Fabrizio Romano addressed unexpected rumours suggesting Real Madrid are open to selling Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Manchester City suggested as a potential destination, mere months after his purported move from Liverpool.
Furthermore, Hugo Ekitike delivered an assertive 86-word message after joining Liverpool this summer, declaring he has no regrets and offering a pointed statement towards Alexander Isak. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate has issued a response to the club’s latest lucrative contract offer, amidst Spanish reports indicating financial caution at Liverpool could ultimately threaten the French defender’s future at the club.
