Liverpool's Bold Move for Adam Wharton: Swap Deal with Crystal Palace

Liverpool are weighing up a bold move for Adam Wharton that could see Harvey Elliott go the other way to Crystal Palace in a swap-style deal, with the London club standing firm on a huge valuation for their midfield jewel.

Liverpool’s Wharton plan takes shape

With Mohamed Salah gone and a new winger high on the agenda, Liverpool’s recruitment team have not taken their eyes off the middle of the pitch. Fenway Sports Group want fresh legs and fresh quality in midfield, and Wharton has been on their radar for some time.

TEAMtalk has consistently linked the 22-year-old England international with Anfield, but the plan now being explored is more aggressive than a straightforward bid.

Journalist Danny Gallagher revealed that Liverpool are actively looking at the logistics of a deal that would send Elliott to Selhurst Park as part of an agreement for Wharton. Posting on X at 1:06pm on July 5, he stated that Liverpool are working on a scenario where Elliott joins Palace within an Adam Wharton package, even though new Reds boss Andoni Iraola still wants to assess whether the 23-year-old should leave at all. If everyone signs off, it could move quickly.

The idea reflects a changing landscape for Elliott at Liverpool.

Elliott’s uncertain Anfield future

Elliott spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Aston Villa after failing to convince then-manager Arne Slot he deserved a central role in the squad. His spell at Villa Park did not trigger the obligatory buy clause in his deal, so he returned to Merseyside with his future unresolved.

Now Iraola is in the chair, and the Spaniard is yet to make a definitive call on Elliott. The winger remains a talented, versatile option, but he is also one of the few marketable assets Liverpool could realistically sacrifice to unlock a major midfield signing.

If Iraola decides he can reshape his squad without Elliott, the proposed swap with Palace suddenly becomes more than just a talking point.

Conflicting signals over Wharton chase

The Wharton pursuit has not been a straight line. Only days before Gallagher’s update, there were suggestions Liverpool might be cooling their interest.

On July 3, Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke indicated that a move for Wharton might no longer be a priority. He pointed out that Palace, having already lost Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi in recent years, are in no mood to let another cornerstone leave easily.

O’Rourke noted that the noise around Wharton had died down after early links with Liverpool and questioned whether he truly fits Iraola’s preferred style, based on the football the coach implemented at Bournemouth. Other clubs have already moved for midfielders: Tottenham were linked with Wharton, but are now closing in on Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali instead.

From that angle, Palace look comfortable. Wharton is under contract, rival clubs are filling their midfield vacancies, and the Eagles can afford to sit tight and wait.

Palace set a record-breaking price

Comfort does not mean compromise. If Liverpool want Wharton, they will have to pay.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider Graeme Bailey reported back on April 17 that Palace want Wharton to become the most expensive sale in the club’s history. Sources have reiterated that stance: the South London side value him at £70m.

That figure is no accident. Palace banked £68m from Arsenal for Eberechi Eze in the summer of 2025, and they want at least £2m more for Wharton. It is a clear message to Liverpool and anyone else circling: this is the going rate for their latest homegrown star.

So the equation is stark. Liverpool must decide how far they are willing to go, both financially and in terms of sacrificing Elliott, to land a midfielder they believe can anchor their next era.

If Iraola gives the green light and Palace see enough value in Elliott plus cash to sanction a record deal, Wharton could yet be the next big name walking out of Selhurst Park. If not, Liverpool will have to look elsewhere for the heartbeat of their new-look midfield.