02 Jul 2026 22:09:20.
Hello all,
Adam Wharton has now emerged as Iraola’s first choice midfield target.
Talks between the two clubs have resumed, a deal which sees Harvey Elliott go the other way (separate deals) is being discussed.
A lot tougher transfer now than it was a few weeks ago for various reasons.
Let’s see how it plays out, the player has his heart set on Anfield.
Ta.
02 Jul 2026 22:26:20
Knew you'd come through with an update, Carra! Thanks!
02 Jul 2026 22:27:05
£100m+ for a midfielder who can't defend feels extremely frivolous.
02 Jul 2026 22:28:04
Cheers, Carra.
02 Jul 2026 22:33:00
Cheers, Carra.
02 Jul 2026 22:33:38
Cheers, Carra.
02 Jul 2026 22:34:57
Again, will wait with bated breath!!
02 Jul 2026 22:35:41
I'm praying we can get him at a decent fair price.
But I think we missed that chance.
In this insane market, and the recent transfer deals.
Crystal Palace probably gonna be asking for £110+ mil.
02 Jul 2026 22:40:14
Thanks for the update, Carra.
02 Jul 2026 22:40:22
Cheers, Carra.
Wharton is a midfielder I've always wanted, so I'm chuffed that Iraola wants him and that we're in talks to get the deal done.
On a separate note, if we pull off both Wharton and Bouaddi, that's my preferred double pivot sorted.
02 Jul 2026 22:41:53
What was wrong with Tonali, at least he can move.
02 Jul 2026 22:47:57
Cheers Carra, If I'm honest, I'd much rather Baleba, I suppose we'll see how we look come pre-season.
02 Jul 2026 22:34:38
I'm sure there's medication for that VV.
02 Jul 2026 23:00:34
See Utd want him too.
02 Jul 2026 23:03:09
@Markp, The Isak saga and the hi-jacking of the V. Munoz transfer.
I could see Newcastle not wanting to do business with us for a long long time.
02 Jul 2026 23:04:30
V good player Wharton, but I think we need somebody with more defensive nous and bit more 'nastiness' in midfield. Wharton + that type of player would be great, but Wharton on his own doesn't solve our issues imo.
02 Jul 2026 23:17:52
Surprised. Very progressive passer, which is great.
I think he has horrendous pace. He can tackle when he is in the vicinity of the ball. It's getting in the vicinity when defending that's the problem.
Iraola will have to put together a plan to mask his weaknesses, and maybe it can work.
My opinion is the money can be very much better spent elsewhere on the team, like a number six. Baleba, like mentioned, would be a better fit.
02 Jul 2026 23:22:59
We were soft as diarrhoea in midfield last season and Wharton is just another soft lad and won't change that fact. It's a lot of money for not very much midfielder.
02 Jul 2026 23:26:19
Hughes should've been sacked with Arne. Can't quite grasp why he's still here making all these blatant mistakes after his failings.
03 Jul 2026 00:00:42
Really surprised by this. I think he's the wrong profile completely. I can't see how he works with Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister or Jones. In fact, the best partner we probably have right now for Wharton would be Endo in my opinion!
Shout out to PatrikBurger, who is the only poster who actually called it that Iraola would want Wharton to enhance our speed of transition and progression.
03 Jul 2026 00:18:17
Not enough home-grown players in the squad. Keep Harvey. Jones a new contract.
03 Jul 2026 00:19:19
Wharton and Camara work great for me. Will need an RB though.
03 Jul 2026 02:34:47
Cheers, Carra
I think we could do worse than signing either Gomes or Andre off Wolves. 35/40m each. Rumours Gomes deal to A. Madrid is off.
03 Jul 2026 00:22:51
Am I alone in being disgusted when Slot had a team starting without an English, or Scottish player? Chelski did it under Abramovich, but not even Man Utd, City or Arsenal have done it as often. Liverpool only win when we have home nations players. Keep the tradition.
{Ed078's Note - disgusted is a strong word
03 Jul 2026 03:09:04
Wharton can provide something, but not what our midfield needs entirely. If he was followed by Sadiki, and we sold Jones and Macca, then I would be much happier.
Defo need a solid RB next, Kayode or Mukiele for me.
03 Jul 2026 05:27:34
I agree with most. I would be disappointed.
And, less excited for the season.
We simply don't need that kind of midfielder.
03 Jul 2026 05:36:32
His progressive vertical passing style is perfect for Iraola. My concern is none of our current midfielders compliment him as the more physical no 6.
03 Jul 2026 06:13:01
Threeps, I have a feeling that Grav or Macconnell could be turned into a more physical 6. I also think, with the pressing, the defending will be more team based and fewer spaces for players to close down.
03 Jul 2026 07:05:54
Cheers, Carra. I wouldn't mind Wharton as a Mac replacement. But, agree with the consensus that we need some proper physicality in the midfield. It could be another season of not signing a DM, which is staggering.
Is Diomande definitely PSG bound then, Carra?
03 Jul 2026 07:14:36
Maybe if the midfield gets the fitness bump everyone is expecting, they won't be so easy to play through. Maybe Ireola will demand more of Wharton. Who knows?
03 Jul 2026 07:28:59
We absolutely need his vision and progression in midfield, but only if we are signing someone to sit next to him and cover the back 4. Maybe if Grav is told to sit and not wander, it might work?
Either way, gutted if Elliot goes.
03 Jul 2026 07:52:56
Maybe Adoni should come on here and ask who suits his system and would be ok with posters on here.
As people seem unhappy with his choices.
03 Jul 2026 07:58:46
Cheers for updates as ever, Carra.
Not sure how I feel about Wharton, but I'll reserve judgement until I see him in red under Iraola.
Any updates on the wingers we're chasing, Carra, or nothing to report?
Hope you're well. ??
03 Jul 2026 07:59:51
@Braminski, I couldn't care less about nationality. If you aren't good enough to play for LFC then you shouldn't be near the club. If you are, then you are welcome regardless of creed, color or origin.
03 Jul 2026 08:02:10
Wharton is exactly the player we need to move us forward quickly, him in midfield alongside Grav, who when sat deeper won the league, I think Wharton would be a great signing, personally think we should be putting the money up as well for a double deal to sign Sarr for our RW, don't understand why he isn't linked, he would be amazing for us.
03 Jul 2026 08:13:33
Price previously quoted for Wharton was around £70-80m, although this is Palace, so who knows where it'll go. City have overpaid for Anderson, although he is a good player and now established international. Spurs similar with Tonali. Although I've my doubts about Wharton, as he's slow and not combative enough. Who are the realistic options sub £80m?
03 Jul 2026 08:16:21
I live near Palace and get to see Wharton play fairly regularly and I think he is excellent and a good fit for us, as does Iraola, but hopefully as a McAllister replacement.
03 Jul 2026 08:41:35
I did mention a few weeks ago, I thought they would go for him, his ball progression getting it back to front quickly should suit Iraola's style, very much in the mould of Trent being able to pick a team splitting pass.
I genuinely don't think they will go for a midfield destroyer, and I reckon he's going to be an astute signing, personally, should it come off.
03 Jul 2026 09:06:11
Maybe McConnell and Nyoni are being looked at for the '6' role, especially if Trey has bulked up. Wharton and Grav are the rotational '8's, and Szob and Wirtz are the rotational '10's with a license to roam/press respectively. Szob also fills in the 8 role if we want to use both Szob and Wirtz (which is the most likely option), Macca leaves, Jones too, if he wants to push for a starting place.
Not saying that's a solution, but it could be what Iraola might be wanting to work with. Ideally, we need more options that we currently have.
Grav could also be the '6', but only if he follows instructions to hold that position. Last season, our midfield was weak, not through being soft, but through running around as individuals, and what seems to be team instructions to be passive.
03 Jul 2026 10:03:56
Wake up! It's nonsense to think that either McConnell or Nynoi have first team number 6 ability for LFC. Buy a proper one like Fab. He was the real deal. That's exactly what we require if we're intent on winning the biggest trophies. There's better than those 2 out there for the role.
03 Jul 2026 11:05:15
I really like Grav a bit higher up, personally. He's brilliant at those line breaking dribbles past players.
I'd love to see McConnel and Nyoni be given a chance in the #6, but I feel we will sell Endo and bring in an older, more experienced CM #6 with a year or two left in his legs to help those two younger lads to grow into the role.
03 Jul 2026 14:33:22
Shankley's Ghost, Fab had been loaned out 3 times and didn't start playing regularly in the midfield until he was at Monaco, at a similar age to what McConnell is now. He then developed.
Read what I wrote. It may be what Iraola sees, it may not, but I can't see why they shouldn't be given a chance if they are in Iraola's plans.