It's a Richard Hughes masterclass, £80m star is coming to Liverpool

Liverpool have a lot of issues to address in the 2026-27 season.

Not only has Mohamed Salah left but, the Reds also have a gaping void in their defence now that Ibrahima Konate has exited.

Each of these things are problems in their own right, but, the fact that it feels like another massive rebuild is on its way to Anfield is a tad scary.

On paper, the Reds' summer window last time around felt like one of the best that a club had ever pulled off.

Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz were both brought in but, even with how good they were, it barely made a difference and, to be honest, they actually looked worse during Arne Slot's second season than his first.

Despite this, several new players are set to be welcomed through the Anfield doors with one move that Richard Hughes is about to pull off looking like a masterclass.

Richard Hughes could be about to bring Adam Wharton to Liverpool

One of the main positions that Liverpool need to upgrade is their number six.

Even though Ryan Gravenberch performed well there during the 2024-25 season, the 2025-26 campaign proved that he is far from a defensive midfielder.

The Dutchman isn't strong enough on the ball to be the midfield's last line of defence and, his passing left an awful lot to be desired for the vast majority of the term.

That's why so many defensive midfielders have been linked with an Anfield switch and now, as per a fresh update from journalist Danny Gallagher, it seems like Hughes could be about to agree a deal with Crystal Palace for the transfer of Adam Wharton.

"Understand Liverpool are looking into the logistics to see Harvey Elliott move to Crystal Palace as part of an Adam Wharton agreement espite Iraola still wanting to run the rule over whether an exit is necessary," he wrote via his personal X account.

"Something that could move quickly if all parties agree."

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Harvey Elliott would be a smart way for Liverpool to get Adam Wharton's fee down

has had a tough time of it over the last year or so.

The Englishman joined Aston Villa with the hopes that he'd be able to fight for a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad.

However, since the Villans didn't want to permanently sign Elliott, he only played nine games all season which is probably less than he would've got if he'd have just stayed at Liverpool.

Indeed, Andoni Iraola did say that every single Liverpool player was going to be treated as if they were a new signing but, since Elliott still isn't likely to get a look in at Anfield, he could seek another exit.

And, since Palace want to add some attacking talent to their ranks so that they can finally replace Eberechi Eze and Liverpool want to add a new defensive midfielder to their ranks, a deal for both players could easily be struck.

Wharton would be an ideal addition for Liverpool as he's homegrown and has plenty of Premier League experience under his belt already.

A fee in the region of £80 million is required to prise the Englishman away from Selhurst Park but, with the inclusion of Elliott in the deal, that fee could easily be dropped.

Here's hoping that this is actually a deal that Hughes can pull off as, if he can, it would be an absolute masterclass.