Updated: 16 Jul 2026 14:20 BST. |
4 minutes read
© IMAGO
Robin Burner
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Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006.
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Liverpool have made Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton their top target this summer after turning down the opportunity to sign Joao Gomes from Wolverhampton Wanderers, FootballTransfers can reveal.
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WITH Dominik Szoboszlai has agreed to extend his contract Sporting director Richard Hughes will begin work with the Reds to reshape Andoni Iraola’s midfield.
Joao Gomes was initially considered a leading candidate to join the Anfield club, but a change of direction has propelled Adam Wharton to the top of the club’s list.
The Reds turned down Gomez’s request to sign with Wharton.
Liverpool turned down the opportunity to sign Joao Gomes, who is closing in on a £35 million (€41 million) move from Wolves to Aston Villa..
The Anfield club have spoken to the 25-year-old’s agent, who is willing to move to Anfield on current terms. FootballTransfers understands that the Brazilian really wanted to sign a contract with Liverpool.
After weighing the deal, the Reds’ recruiting team changed its mind and chose a different type of profile, targeting Wharton instead.
© IMAGO – Adam Wharton: Liverpool’s main transfer target
Crystal Palace want more than £100m
Wharton was a controversial omission from Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad but continues to be linked with a number of top Premier League sides, as well as Real Madrid.
However, Liverpool have put the former Blackburn man at the center of their plans.
Palace are keen to retain the central midfielder for at least another season, with Eberechi Eze and Marc Guei leaving for Arsenal and Manchester City respectively last season.
If Liverpool want to take Wharton away from the Eagles, they will have to spend big money on him. The London side are targeting a price tag in excess of £100 million (€118 million) as Elliott Anderson left Nottingham Forest to join Manchester City for £116 million.
Meanwhile, the Reds have shown a willingness to make blockbuster transfers in recent months, signing Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz for UK record fees last summer.
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