Former Liverpool captain Phil Thompson has expressed his surprise that Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has not yet been signed by a top club this summer, as the Reds prepare for the departure of Curtis Jones.
Thompson's Transfer Suggestion
Speaking on the BOYLE Sports and Footy Accumulators' podcast, No Tippy Tappy Football, Thompson said: "Adam Wharton is a player that I would be interested in signing for Liverpool. I can't understand why nobody, in all this transfer merry-go-round, hasn't picked him up this summer."
Thompson highlighted Wharton's character as a key attribute. "He is one that you talk about in terms of having good character. At a football club, besides talent, you need people of good sort, and I've always looked at Wharton and thought he's a good character," he added.
The former defender also predicted that Wharton could be Palace's next big-money sale. "I think he's probably the next player Crystal Palace will have to sell, because they have to sell one a year for big money," Thompson said.
Liverpool's Midfield Vacancy
Liverpool are in a period of transition after Arne Slot was dismissed at the end of last season and replaced by former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola. Since then, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate have all left Anfield at the end of their contracts. Midfielder Curtis Jones has also agreed to join Italian champions Inter in Serie A, leaving a gap in the engine room.
Liverpool have previously been linked with a move for the 22-year-old Wharton, but a deal appears unlikely. According to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein, Manchester City have had their own enquiry for the England international turned down, with Crystal Palace insisting that Wharton is not for sale this summer.
Nyoni Set for Bigger Role
As things stand, 19-year-old Trey Nyoni looks set to take on a more prominent role within Andoni's Liverpool squad this season, unless the Spaniard makes a surprise midfield signing before the transfer window closes. Nyoni impressed during preseason and appears ready to stake his claim for more regular first-team minutes.
Liverpool start their Premier League fixture schedule with a trip to St James' Park to face Newcastle United on Sunday, with the match kicking off at 4.30pm.
