The agreement, which runs until at least 2031 (with options), reflects the club’s conviction that Wharton is the ideal long-term answer to their midfield challenges—providing composure, defensive intelligence, and progressive passing in a position where depth and consistency have been tested this season.
Wharton’s arrival—potentially finalized as a permanent deal in the region of £80-100m (including add-ons)—comes at a pivotal time. Liverpool, sixth in the Premier League after a frustrating winless run domestically, have shown European promise (third in the Champions League league phase after the 6-0 Qarabag rout on January 28) but struggled with midfield control against pressing teams and low blocks. Slot’s system demands a balanced engine room: creativity from Florian Wirtz and Alexis Mac Allister, energy from Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, but crucially a deep-lying orchestrator to shield the backline and initiate attacks.
That’s exactly what Wharton brings. The former Blackburn Rovers prospect, who exploded onto the scene at Crystal Palace since his 2024 move, has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most complete young midfielders. His elite ball progression (top percentiles for passes into the final third and progressive carries), composure under pressure, and ability to break lines make him a natural fit alongside Mac Allister—forming a duo capable of dictating tempo in possession while offering robustness in transitions.
Club sources and analysts highlight why Liverpool see him as “the solution”:
- Tactical Versatility: Wharton excels as a No.6 or No.8, allowing Slot flexibility in double pivots or single-pivot setups. His defensive reading and interception stats address vulnerabilities exposed in recent league games.
- Youth and Upside: At 21, he’s a high-ceiling talent with England caps already, primed for growth into a world-class operator—ideal for Liverpool’s long-term project amid World Cup 2026 ambitions.
- Premier League Proven: Unlike riskier overseas targets, Wharton has adapted seamlessly to English football’s intensity, making him a low-risk, high-reward addition.
- Addressing Imbalances: With Wataru Endo’s utility role and others managing injuries/fixture congestion, Wharton adds genuine competition and rotation options without disrupting chemistry.
The deal caps a turbulent January for Liverpool: heavy scrutiny on Slot (tied to board conditions for top-five finish and European progress), internal warnings about underperformers (e.g., comments on Cody Gakpo), and Virgil van Dijk’s historic three-assist Champions League record against Qarabag. Yet this signing signals ambition—Fenway Sports Group backing Slot with elite talent to arrest the slide before tough fixtures against Newcastle and Manchester City.
Fans at Anfield are thrilled: Wharton’s poise could transform midfield dynamics, quieting critics like Jamie Carragher who demand ruthless standards. Michael Owen’s recent plea to retain key partners underscores the value of chemistry—Wharton slots in as the missing piece.
As paperwork finalizes and medicals complete, Liverpool gain not just a player, but a cornerstone. The Reds’ midfield future looks brighter—Wharton is here to stay, and the reasons are crystal clear.
