£80m Premier League star getting closer to a five-year deal at Liverpool

Big transfer news broke on Monday, 26 January 2026. Respected reporter Nicolò Schira notes that Crystal Palacemidfielder Adam Wharton is getting closer to a major move to Liverpool. Posting on X, Schira says that the 21-year-old England international has already told Liverpool he’s ready to join. He has agreed to the main terms of a five-year deal.

Liverpool close in on Crystal Palace midfield star Adam Wharton in major transfer scoop

This news comes as the January window enters its final few days. It gives Liverpool fans something to look forward to after a tough first season under Arne Slot.

Crystal Palace are having a hard time lately and sit 15th in the league, but Wharton has still been a top performer at Selhurst Park. Schira’s update suggests Liverpool have jumped ahead of Manchester United and Tottenham. Both those clubs are tracking the former Blackburn Rovers academy graduate.

The report doesn’t say if the two clubs have agreed on a price yet. Still, the fact that Wharton is happy to sign a long-term deal at Anfield clears a huge path for the move. Now, the ball is in the clubs’ court to settle on a fee before the window shuts, or more likely, set everything up for a summer transfer.

Why Wharton fits Liverpool’s midfield puzzle?

Liverpool are in a tight spot as of January 2026, sitting sixth in the Premier League. Manager Arne Slot is under pressure because his midfield often lacks the defensive grit it needs to handle fast-paced games.

Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai bring plenty of creativity, but the team are missing a disciplined anchor who can win the ball and run the game from deep. Ryan Gravenberch has shown what he can do in bursts, but the current midfield still lacks balance. Wharton fills that gap perfectly. The Englishman stays calm on the ball and has a real knack for stopping opposition attacks. It is something the Reds have missed all year.

Looking at Wharton’s stats this season, he’s doing great even though his team are struggling. He’s putting up big numbers for tackles and ball recoveries. In fact, Wharton is among the best in the league for winning the ball back high up the pitch.

Wharton only has two assists and no goals in 21 games, but that’s not his job. His role is to break up play and keep the ball moving, which is exactly what Liverpool need to steady the ship.

As for the price, Palace will want a massive fee. Since he’s young, English, and under contract until 2029, he’ll likely cost between £65 million and £80 million. Liverpool must decide if that’s the right move for the money. But with their midfield needing help fast, signing Wharton could be the difference between getting back into the Champions League or facing another average season.