€70m Liverpool claim rubbished: 'Huge fee' needed to sign England star

Tom Weber
Tom Weber
  • Updated: 23 Sept 2025 18:20 BST
  • 4 min read
Arne Slot, Liverpool, 2025/26
© IMAGO

Liverpool would have to spend significantly more than the touted €70 million to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, according to a report.

Article continues under the video

The England international is set to be one of the most in-demand commodities in the Premier League next year. Despite his niggling injury problems, Wharton is one of Europe's most exciting talents.

The 21-year-old is a star for Crystal Palace, and his performances have unsurprisingly attracted the attention of various big hitters. The likes of Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool have all been linked with him.

Current ETV
Player image Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton

DM, M (C)

C. Palace logo

C. Palace

Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton

DM, M (C)

C. Palace

C. Palace

€55.7M

ETV Range

€50.1M - €61.2M

The latter, in particular, have been strongly associated with a move for Wharton in recent days, with some suggesting that they could look to make a move for him already in January.

There has been talk of a €70 million fee, but this is clearly wishful thinking. For Palace to sell one of their key players, it will take significantly more, especially mid-season.

Liverpool need 'huge fee' to sign Wharton

According to TEAMtalk, there is no way that Palace will sanction Wharton's departure for €70m in January. In fact, it is difficult to imagine that Palace would even be open to offers for him in the winter.

This is also backed up by journalist Pete O'Rourke, who is quoted as saying: “It’ll be highly unlikely that Palace would entertain any offers for Wharton in January.

Adam Wharton
© IMAGO - Adam Wharton

“He’s a top player, so if he does become available, it won’t just be Liverpool in the market for him. It’ll be most of the big clubs in the Premier League and top European clubs. He’s under a long-term contract at Palace until 2029, and it would take a huge fee to prise him away.

“They don’t want to lose Wharton, especially not in January, because he would be a very difficult player for them to replace, so they’ll be doing everything they can to keep hold of him.

"We know January is a difficult window to do big deals as well, so I don’t see anything happening in January.”

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