03 Jul 2026 12:46:14
Hi all,
We are moving for Wharton - that is true. I've long stated this and have firmly believed it to have been in the pipeline from midway through last season.
Barcola position hasn't changed either. There has been whispers of talks opening with PSG but I cannot confirm nor deny that as I am unsure, to be honest.
03 Jul 2026 13:28:43
Still the same on YD Vic?
03 Jul 2026 13:43:33
As far as I am aware, yes. There's every chance PSG can't reach an agreement with RBL but I have reason to believe Liverpool's interest was used as leverage by Yan's agency.
03 Jul 2026 14:27:57
Cheers, VG.
03 Jul 2026 14:34:48
Can't see this happening either!
03 Jul 2026 15:10:49
Thank you, Victor
Wharton is likely to be expensive, is there a good chance?
And Barcola is not progressing because of the high price?
03 Jul 2026 15:12:10
I'm guessing that means MacAllister's on his way out then.
03 Jul 2026 16:11:03
Wharton has expensive mistake written all over him. Once again, a bodge job on midfield, failing to adequately address the lack of defensive midfielder.
03 Jul 2026 16:24:55
I agree, VV - We need a Fabinho type robust midfielder.
Lamine Camera we have scouted for.
03 Jul 2026 16:45:12
Wharton would be a good signing imo, as long as he's not our only midfield signing. I suspect he won't be.
03 Jul 2026 16:46:06
As far as the clubs concerned, Vik, Grav is the defensive midfielder the fanbase is crying out for, hence why they tied him down to a 6yr deal at £280k pw.
I did mention at the time he got his deal that it would mean bringing in a proper DM was highly unlikely. Let's hope Iraola can get him to step it up a gear or two.
03 Jul 2026 17:32:17
I don't get the reluctance for Wharton. We are in need of a controller in midfield, who has the creativity to get the ball to Isak. He would be an upgrade on Mac.
Grav and Szob have their qualities, but they are not astounding passers.
I reckon Wirtz will be first choice on LW / Inside Right. With Munoz covering all front 3 positions, and Rio as cover on both wings - but starting more games.
03 Jul 2026 17:44:09
Hughes needs to change how he negotiates with Palace, it needs to be price and deadline, and take it out, leave it. Palace's negotiations in bad faith left us exposed last year, and it shouldn't be forgiven. There should be a premium on the Harvey transfer as well.
03 Jul 2026 17:46:07
Find it very hard to believe that we're serious for Wharton. You'd struggle to find a midfielder less suited to this current squad and the new manager. For starters, you'd have to ditch either Grav or Wirtz for Wharton and that's not happening. We need to bring in a midfielder who actually complements what we've already got.
03 Jul 2026 18:39:15
Why would you have to ditch Grav or Wirtz? Have you not heard of MacAllster??
03 Jul 2026 18:54:43
Mac was a typical Klopp midfield signing. Tidy, hard-working, and worked to progress the ball.
Purely because of his red-bloomed face, he reminded me of Ronnie Whelan. But he has faded a lot over his 3 years, and never really controlled our pattern of play.
That is why I think Wharton would be an upgrade.
Without Trent, we desperately need someone who can pass the ball - and Wharton ticks that box.
With the signings we made last summer, we have to have a midfielder who can get the ball early to Wirtz and Isak. That won't be coming from the right wing, as Mo has gone and there is no chance of finding a rw like him.
04 Jul 2026 00:41:03
@chewy, because a midfield 3 of Grav, Wharton and Wirtz would be an absolute disaster out of possession and is getting bullied to f*** every game in the league. You absolutely cannot play those 3 together if you want to compete at the top.
04 Jul 2026 09:26:40
Wirtz is the only player there getting bullied. And a midfield trio will be weak with him in it. He's not a Premier League midfielder in my opinion, likely needs to be at the front of a 4 man midfield.
He is a luxury player and our team needs a lot of work to accommodate him. Strong hardworking players front to back who can control games. Very unsure he will work out here to be honest. Obviously hope he does.