As the deadline approaches on February 2, 2026, at 7pm GMT, the Reds appear poised to address key squad concerns amid their ongoing domestic struggles and injury-hit campaign.
The player in question is widely understood to be Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, the 21-year-old English talent who has been hailed as one of the Premier League’s brightest young prospects since breaking through at Blackburn Rovers and establishing himself as a key figure at Selhurst Park. Described as “outstanding” for his composure on the ball, exceptional passing range, defensive nous, and ability to dictate tempo from midfield, Wharton has drawn comparisons to top European playmakers and is seen as a long-term successor to aging or underperforming elements in Liverpool’s engine room.
According to sources, Liverpool have accelerated talks in recent days, positioning themselves as frontrunners despite interest from other top clubs. The deal could be worth in excess of £100 million (€100m+), reflecting Wharton’s rising stock and the premium placed on homegrown talent amid Premier League profit and sustainability rules. This would mark another blockbuster investment for the Reds following their record-breaking summer outlay, underscoring the board’s determination to provide Slot with elite reinforcements to arrest their slide to sixth in the table.
The urgency stems from Liverpool’s midfield imbalances exposed in recent weeks—particularly the lack of consistent creativity and control in the Premier League, where they’ve scored sparingly and conceded late goals. With injuries and international absences thinning options, adding a player of Wharton’s caliber would inject energy, leadership, and World Cup pedigree ahead of 2026. Slot has publicly called for “simple” improvements from his squad, but a high-profile addition like this would signal strong backing from Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and sporting director Richard Hughes amid the pressure on the manager’s position.
This potential signing contrasts with Liverpool’s relatively quiet January so far—limited to youth prospects like Senegalese defender Mor Ndiaye—and comes after earlier links to strikers (to cover Alexander Isak’s broken leg) and defenders fizzled. While no official confirmation has emerged, the “very close” status suggests medicals and personal terms are nearing completion, with the club aiming to announce the deal imminently to boost morale ahead of and beyond their Champions League finale against Qarabag on January 28.
If finalized, Wharton’s arrival would be a massive statement: a young, English international joining the reigning champions to bolster the future core, potentially shifting dynamics in midfield alongside stars like Florian Wirtz and existing talents. It could also quieten speculation around Slot’s future, tied to board-set conditions for Champions League qualification and European progress.
Fans at Anfield and beyond will be watching closely in the final days of the window. A deal of this magnitude would not only address tactical needs but reaffirm Liverpool’s ambition during a challenging season. With the clock ticking, this could prove the blockbuster twist to end a turbulent January on a high note.
