All posts by z3u9t.icu

Aston Villa had an ideal chance to reach their first FA Cup final in a decade at the weekend. With Crystal Palace standing in the way, Unai Emery’s men let the occasion overawe them as the club slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Wembley.

Having been knocked out of the Champions League by PSG just 11 days prior, the FA Cup represented the last chance for the club to end a near 30-year wait for a major trophy.

Despite the result, Emery must gather his men for the crunch tie against Fulham this afternoon. A win is a must if the Midlands side wants to play in Europe’s premier club competition next term.

The Spaniard will certainly be making a change or two, especially in his attacking department…

Why Ollie Watkins should be dropped for Aston Villa

Ollie Watkins started the semi-final against Palace, yet delivered one of his poorest performances in a Villa shirt.

In a game of such high magnitude, the striker completed only eight passes throughout the match and lost possession seven times.

He failed to even register a single shot against the Eagles, while also failing with both his dribble attempts and winning just one of his seven duels.

Goals

15

Assists

7

Goal conversion percentage

19%

Shots per game

2.3

Big chances created

6

Big chances missed

24

It was a performance that the Englishman will be keen to forget, that’s for sure. Marcus Rashford looks certain to miss the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury, otherwise, he may well have started against Palace.

This leaves the door ajar for another January signing to be unleashed against the Cottagers today – Donyell Malen.

The Aston Villa star who could replace Watkins

It’s safe to say that Malen hasn’t quite enjoyed the start to life many expected of him after his £20m move from Borussia Dortmund in the winter transfer window.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Indeed, across 14 games for the club, he has started just three times, scoring three goals in the process.

He might not start often, but Malen has recorded a goal conversion percentage of 25%, showcasing his finishing abilities.

Furthermore, he averages 1.1 shots per game as well as scoring once every 96 minutes. Perhaps he offers more coming off the bench against tired legs, but with Watkins performing so poorly last week, it is now time for Malen to shine.

When compared to peers across Europe’s big five leagues, the Dutchman ranks in the top 11% for touches inside the opposition penalty area (6.44) and in the top 1% for non-penalty goals (0.71) per 90 over the previous 365 days.

This suggests Emery must not have any reservations about unleashing him in the starting XI, that’s for sure.

Dubbed “very dangerous” and “extremely fast” by his former teammate, Mario Götze, the former Dortmund man has plenty to offer Villa over the next few weeks.

Having scored three Premier League goals since the start of April, another one or two this afternoon would help Villa get over the FA Cup disappointment and spearhead their charge towards a top-five finish.

Emery now ready to cash in on £150k-p/w ace who wants to leave Aston Villa

Unai Emery is now ready to say goodbye to an important player at Aston Villa.

ByBrett Worthington May 1, 2025

Leicester City now want an “unbelievable” 4-2-3-1 manager, who is also wanted by Southampton, to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy, according to Sky Sports.

Leicester's relegation piles pressure on Van Nistelrooy

The Foxes’ relegation to the Championship from the Premier League was confirmed on Sunday afternoon, in what has been a disastrous season for the club. They have just 18 points to their name after 33 games, winning just four games in total.

Leicester City eye move for new 40 y/o manager who has same agent as Vardy

He’s been in the Championship before.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 9, 2025

The club chiefs hoped that Van Nistelrooy’s arrival would springboard the club into staying away from the drop zone, but just three wins in 17 games have not been enough to keep them in the Premier League.

That means the Foxes now have to prepare for life back in the Championship, and according to Sky Sports, Van Nistelrooy is expected to meet with Leicester’s hierarchy this week to discuss his future.

The Dutchman is expected to remain in charge for the remainder of the Premier League campaign, but there are doubts as to whether he will stay going into the summer, as both sides are unsure about continuing the relationship going into the Championship.

Another concern for Leicester is that sacking van Nistelrooy before the end of June would cause problems for them meeting PSR obligations, as the Dutchman is under contract until 2027, and therefore, he would need to be paid off.

Leicester want a 4-2-3-1 boss who is also wanted by Southampton

So while the club chiefs weigh up what to do with van Nistelrooy, according to Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett, Leicester are now interested in appointing Danny Rohl as their new manager after drawing up a managerial shortlist.

Dorsett reports that the Foxes have already drawn up a list of candidates to possibly replace Van Nistelrooy, and Rohl is one name that is under consideration. As well as Rohl, Leicester are also interested in former England interim manager Lee Carsley and ex-Southampton boss Russell Martin.

Rohl, who has been dubbed “unbelievable” by player Josh Windass, is a manager who continues to impress in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday, as finances and ownership at the club are making his job difficult. However, the German has managed to guide the Owls to mid-table in the second tier, 10 points above the relegation zone and 10 points adrift of the top six.

Games

87

Won

34

Drawn

17

Lost

36

The 35-year-old, whose preferred formation as manager is 4-2-3-1, will not be an easy man to get for the Foxes, as Southampton have made Rohl a top target in their search for a new boss.

Sheffield Wednesday is Rohl’s first job as a manager in England, but the work he’s done in guiding the club away from relegation last season and what he’s achieved in this campaign have now made him a highly rated coach in the second tier.

Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers have ventured down a relatively similar path this season and could now fight it out to sign an Ivory Coast international this summer, per a report.

Everton and Wolves both looking forward with optimism

Not so long ago, Everton and Wolves looked certain to be involved in a prolonged relegation dogfight after their respective poor starts to the Premier League campaign.

Gary O’Neil and Sean Dyche were both relieved of their duties, and it is fair to say their replacements have made a world of difference at both Molineux and Goodison Park as the two clubs look forward to next season in the top-flight.

David Moyes has added a tactical flexibility and change of style at Everton, while Vitor Pereira is becoming a heroic figure in the West Midlands due to his infectious desire to improve their fortunes.

For now, the rest of the campaign takes priority for both sides. However, history will reflect fondly on the defining moment either hierarchy decided a change in the dugout was necessary to preserve their league status.

Loyalty goes a long way in football, and it could always be Moyes or Pereira on the chopping block in months to come, but you would struggle to find too many people harbouring scathing criticisms of either manager.

David Moyes’ record since arriving at Everton

Wins

5

Draws

6

Losses

4

Vitor Pereira’s record since arriving at Wolves

Wins

10

Draws

2

Losses

7

Exciting times could be on the horizon for Everton and Wolves, with the former set to enter a new era at Bramley Moore Dock after so much anticipation over their stadium move.

Nevertheless, the pair mentioned may now lock horns in the pursuit of a talented defender to bolster their ranks ahead of the new season.

Everton and Wolves go head to head for Auxerre defender Clement Akpa

According to Foot Mercato, Everton and Wolves are fighting it out to sign Auxerre defender Clement Akpa and it has been made clear that he is almost certain to leave the Ligue 1 outfit this summer. Eintracht Frankfurt, Hoffenheim and Stuttgart are also keen on the 23-year-old, who has registered one assist in 27 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.

Their next Fellaini: Moyes driving Everton deal for £90k-p/w "machine"

Everton are expected to strengthen in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 19, 2025

No talks have taken place as of yet, but there is every chance he will be available for a modest fee due to Auxerre’s need to boost their financial situation. Intriguingly, he could become part of a current of French top-flight defenders set for moves to either England or Germany, which also includes the likes of Everton target Facundo Medina.

Becoming an imposing presence for Auxerre, Akpa has won 114 duels this season. Primarily a centre-back, he has also been used in a berth on the left-hand side of their defence, earning 2 caps for Ivory Coast this year.

Versatility is key for any club with aspirations of staying in the Premier League, so it will be intriguing to see the battle commence between Everton and Wolves to land the France-born defender.

Newcastle United have enjoyed tangible success under Eddie Howe this campaign and may now be willing to follow that up by showing ambition in the transfer market.

Newcastle in Champions League race ahead of summer window

Retaining a game in hand over most of their rivals for continental qualification, Newcastle will feel a sense of quiet optimism over their chances of securing a Champions League berth ahead of next season.

Mathematically, England is now set to have five positions available for Europe’s premier competition via the Premier League. At the same time, either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur could clinch a spot if they win the Europa League.

Eddie Howe deserves a lot of credit for leading his side into the mix, and it is likely PIF will back the Englishman on the market following his role in helping the Magpies to claim their first silverware since 1955.

Alexander Isak’s future will come under the microscope at St James’ Park, so it is no surprise that Newcastle could target Benfica forward Vangelis Pavlidis as a replacement for the Sweden international.

In addition, Callum Wilson is expected leave the Magpies on a free transfer at the end of the season, which will require work to be done behind the scenes to provide adequate squad depth at centre-forward.

Newcastle contracts set to expire this summer

Callum Wilson

No option

Mark Gillespie

No option

John Ruddy

No option

Jamal Lewis

No option

Jamaal Lascelles

No option

Aaron Ramsdale is on Newcastle’s wishlist up the other end, but it is likely that firepower will be the first port of call on the agenda this summer for Howe and the recruitment department.

Now, the Geordies have identified who they feel could be a main contender to succeed Wilson ahead of 2025/26, per recent developments.

Newcastle want to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer

According to reports, Newcastle have made contact with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s entourage and the Three Lions international is viewed as a priority signing to replace Wilson at St James’ Park.

They also have another unnamed star in the frame, but they are believed to be ‘very keen’ on the Everton man after he turned down multiple offers to extend his time on Merseyside.

Best since Isak: Howe struck gold signing “big game player” for Newcastle

Eddie Howe hit the jackpot signing this “big game player” who’s Newcastle’s best signing since Isak.

ByConnor Holden Apr 6, 2025

Labelled a ‘top striker’ by Carlo Ancelotti, Calvert-Lewin has registered 71 goals and 20 assists in 269 appearances for his current employers. However, frequent injury problems and goal droughts in recent years have led him to a career crossroads in his prime.

Earning £100,000 per week at Goodison Park, the former Sheffield United man possesses a lot of distinctive qualities that could offer Newcastle a more physical Plan B in attack, alongside the carrot that he is a homegrown star who would offer leeway in European squad registration.

Given his availability on a free transfer, the Magpies may feel Calvert-Lewin is a risk worth taking to bolster their forward line.

Fresh from having been narrowly defeated by Nottingham Forest earlier this week, Manchester United are now gearing up for Sunday’s Manchester Derby – just under five months on from clinching victory in dramatic circumstances at the Etihad.

Having been trailing 1-0 heading into the final knockings of the game, an Amad Diallo-inspired comeback flipped the match on its head, with the Ivorian first winning a penalty following a clumsy foul from Matheus Nunes, before sealing the win in stoppage time with an expertly taken finish from the angle.

That euphoric finale ensured it was a fitting way for Ruben Amorim to seal his first win in the fixture, albeit – as is often the way at United – it was matters off the field that dominated the headlines both pre and post-match.

Indeed, the Portuguese coach had taken the bold decision to leave both Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford out of the matchday squad for the meeting with Pep Guardiola’s side, with the 40-year-old stressing that the pair had been omitted due to a “selection” choice, rather than due to illness or injury.

In the case of Garnacho, the 20-year-old has since forced his way back into Amorim’s good books, having notably scored in the recent win over Leicester City, although as for Rashford, the England international hasn’t been seen in a United shirt since, having subsequently moved on loan to Aston Villa in February.

From scoring the winning goal in the derby back in March 2016, the same fixture at the Etihad perhaps marked the beginning of the end for the 27-year-old’s time with the Red Devils, with a permanent exit looking almost inevitable this summer.

Marcus Rashford's rise at Man Utd in 2016

Three goals in a week have ensured that Rashford is again the talk of the town at Villa Park, with the United academy graduate having shaken off his Amorim-led exile to kickstart his stuttering career under Unai Emery.

Having spoken of his desire for a “new challenge” back in December, the high-profile star – who could join the Villans on a £40m deal this summer – appears keen to leave life at Old Trafford behind, ending his lengthy association with the Red Devils.

In truth, it looks set to be a sad end to a story that started so spectacularly back in February 2016, with Rashford soaring from unknown teenager to household name overnight, following his brace against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League.

That stunning display on debut – which had come amid a remarkable injury crisis in Louis van Gaal’s centre-forward ranks – was followed by another double just a few days later on his first Premier League appearance against Arsenal, with the 18-year-old cementing his status as the new poster boy at the Theatre of Dreams.

In all, the promising striker would end that 2015/16 campaign with eight goals to his name from just 18 senior outings, albeit with few having been quite as memorable as his winner against City on the road.

On what was just his fourth league appearance for United, Rashford proved the hero after surging past the ageing Martin Demichelis, before expertly slotting the ball past compatriot, Joe Hart, and sending the travelling fans into a frenzy.

Just under a decade on, the Red Devils head into a derby without their 138-goal graduate – who has scored six times against City – to call upon. Could Amorim, however, have the next Rashford ready to be unleashed instead?

Man Utd could be brewing the next Rashford

It is easy to forget just what an incredible story it was at the time of Rashford’s emergence onto the scene at first-team level, with the local hero even going on to end 2015/16 as part of England’s squad for the European Championships in France.

That journey was somewhat mirrored last season as Kobbie Mainoo – who was handed his first league start in November 2023 – subsequently played a vital role in the Three Lions’ surge to the Euro 2024 final, having also netted what proved to be the clincher in the FA Cup showpiece in May.

The midfield maestro is unlikely to feature this weekend, however, as the 19-year-old steps up his return from his latest injury setback, albeit with there the potential for another teenage talent to make his mark in the fixture, in the form of Chido Obi.

Chido Obi

Man Utd

7

Tom Wingate

Fulham

5

Amin Nabizada

Watford

5

Mason Cotcher

Aston Villa

5

Shim Mhueka

Chelsa

4

Finlay Gorman

Man City

4

Emmerson Sutton

QPR

4

Cruz Allen

Derby

4

Matty Warhurst

Man City

4

On Tuesday evening at the City Ground, Amorim’s men failed to score for the 11th time in the league this season, with the ex-Sporting CP boss resorting to throwing on Harry Maguire as a makeshift striker at the death.

With Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund having scored just six top-flight goals between them in 2024/25, a change needs to be made one way or another, with it perhaps an opportunity for Obi to have his own Rashford-like derby moment.

Described as a “goal machine” at academy level by data analyst Ben Mattinson, the Danish starlet was absent from the midweek defeat after starting in the U18s FA Youth Cup loss to Villa on Monday night, with Adam Lawrence’s side crashing out on penalties.

Obi had scored seven times in just three appearances in the competition prior to that, with his total tally at that age group for United standing at 12 goals from just ten outings thus far.

Signed from Arsenal last summer, the 17-year-old hasn’t quite emulated Rashford yet after failing to score in any of his four substitute appearances at senior level, albeit while certainly coming close in the FA Cup clash with Fulham, after being denied by Bernd Leno from the angle.

With United’s priority for the remainder of the season now the Europa League, Amorim may deem it wise to rest the likes of Hojlund and Zirkzee regardless, ahead of Thursday’s quarter-final, first-leg tie with Lyon.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

That could then allow Obi – who is ineligible to feature in Europe – the chance to secure a first start for Amorim’s side this weekend, with there perhaps no better time for the youngster to get off the mark.

Rashford, unfortunately, now looks to be at the end of a fruitful journey at Old Trafford. For his potential successor, however, hopefully, the adventure is just beginning.

Worth more than Elanga: Man Utd have struck gold on £120k-p/w "wizard"

Man Utd have their own attacking sensation to rival Anthony Elanga

ByRobbie Walls Apr 3, 2025

They might have suffered their first defeat in months at the hands of Aston Villa on Saturday, but this season is still shaping up to be a memorable one for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side are top of the Premier League and Champions League tables and still haven’t reached their full potential.

Moreover, while injuries have taken their toll, the Gunners have a squad bursting at the seams with incredible players, and Bukayo Saka, arguably their most important player, has produced three goal involvements in his last four games.

So, fans should be excited about reports linking Arsenal to a player who has been compared not only to the Englishman but also to summer target Rodrygo.

Arsenal target Saka & Rodrygo hybrid

Uncharacteristically, Arsenal went on something of a spending spree in the summer, bringing in the likes of Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres and others.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Therefore, it would be understandable if the North Londoners held off on any major signings in the January window.

However, it would appear that the Gunners are determined to further improve their already impressive squad, and are now looking at a player who has been compared to both Saka and Rodrygo.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which claims Arsenal are very interested in signing Yan Diamonde.

In fact, the report goes further than that, revealing that the Premier League leaders have now identified the winger as a priority target.

However, the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are also said to be keen on the youngster and that RB Leipzig would need a fee of up to €100m to sell their star asset, which is about £87m.

It would therefore almost certainly be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Diomande’s ability and potential, one Arsenal should fight for anyway, especially as he’s been compared to Saka and Rodrygo.

How Diomande compares to Saka & Rodrygo

So, starting with the obvious and somewhat surface-level similarities, like Saka and Rodrygo, Diomande is a seriously exciting winger plying his trade for a team in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Moreover, unlike some other wingers for top teams, the 19-year-old is someone who can back up his flashy ability with output.

For example, in 15 first-team appearances this season, totalling just 951 minutes, the Ivorian star has scored seven goals and provided four assists.

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.36 games, or every 86.45 minutes, which is a rate of return that really lends credence to journalist Bence Bocsák’s claim that he is a “generational talent.”

However, the comparisons to the two international wingers go deeper than just their positions and ability to produce goal involvements.

For example, FBref has ranked Rodrygo as the second-most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Leipzig star across Europe’s top five leagues, and ranked Saka as the ninth-most similar.

The best way to understand how these comparisons have been made is to take a look at the underlying numbers in which the players rank so closely.

Progressive Carries

6.74

6.74

Shots on Target

1.35

1.40

Key Passes

1.46

1.40

Blocks

1.35

1.16

Passing Accuracy

80.9%

83.5%

In the case of the Real Madrid star, these metrics include progressive carries, key passes, shots on target, and passing accuracy, all per 90.

In other words, the teen phenom is as capable as the two-time Champions League winner at getting the ball up the pitch, whether by carrying or passing.

Expected Goals

0.34

0.36

Shots

2.37

2.60

Shots on Target

1.35

1.21

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.57

1.48

Shot-Creating Actions

4.29

4.55

Tackles Won

0.56

0.65

Ball Recoveries

5.39

5.56

Now, when it comes to the Gunners’ mercurial number seven, similar metrics include shot-creating actions, ball recoveries, tackles won, shots on target, expected goals, and more, also per 90.

This suggests that the youngster is as willing to help out with the defensive side of the game as the 24-year-old is, while also still being a serious goal threat.

Ultimately, it would require a significant amount of money, but Arsenal should do what they can to sign Diomande, as, in addition to being a great prospect in his own right, he also has a lot in common with Saka and Rodrygo.

Arsenal star was playing like Saka, now he's being treated like Smith Rowe

The incredible Arsenal talent could end up following Smith Rowe’s trajectory instead of Saka’s.

3 ByJack Salveson Holmes 2 days ago

Leeds United have now made contact over the signing of an “incredible” £50m player, with the 49ers looking to get a deal done in the January transfer window.

Leeds looking to strengthen amid poor run of form

After a solid start to the season, defeating Everton 1-0 on the opening day, Leeds’ survival hopes have taken a major hit over the past couple of months, having lost five of their last six Premier League games, which means they have now fallen into the relegation zone.

Gary Neville has recently suggested the warning signs were there right from the start, saying: “I said Leeds were going down after watching them on the first game of the season I thought ‘that’s not right, that’. Everton were shocking that night, but I just thought Leeds…”

Things aren’t going to get any easier in the coming weeks, with Daniel Farke’s side set to take on Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool in their next three matches, which means they could be in even deeper trouble by mid-December.

As such, the 49ers may have to bring in some fresh faces during the January transfer window, and they have already started work on potential new signings, with a report from The Mirror revealing Leeds have now enquired about signing Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips on loan.

However, the Whites want Phillips’ current employers to make a major contribution towards his astronomical £250k-a-week wages, which could be a stumbling block, and as things stand, it is unlikely that a deal transpires.

Since making a £50m move to the Etihad Stadium in 2022, the midfielder’s career has been on a downward trajectory, and he is prepared to move abroad, having now returned to full fitness after suffering a serious Achilles injury in pre-season.

"Incredible" Phillips still has time to get career back on track

Pep Guardiola has personally expressed sympathy for how the Englishman’s career has panned out, describing him as an “incredible person”, but the Man City ace still has time to get things back on track, given that he is still just 29-years-old.

That said, it would be a risk for Leeds to re-sign their former player, considering he has found game time very hard to come by this season, appearing for just seven minutes, which came in City’s 2-0 EFL Cup triumph against Huddersfield Town.

Leeds now plotting January move for "outstanding" £17.5m Champions League striker

The Whites are looking to bring in a new centre-forward this winter.

ByDominic Lund Nov 27, 2025

On his day, the 31-time England international is capable of great things, having particularly impressed for the Three Lions at Euro 2021.

As such, if a low-cost loan move were an option, it could be worth taking a gamble on Phillips, who is represented by the same agent as Wilfried Gnonto, but it may take him some time to get back to his best, having barely featured for City.

Liverpool are now reportedly pushing to sign a Celtic youngster in what could deal the Hoops a frustrating blow ahead of Wilfried Nancy’s arrival.

O'Neill: Celtic have restored "confidence"

As far as interim managers go, Celtic couldn’t have done a lot better than Martin O’Neill. There would have been concerns that the 73-year-old was out of ideas in the modern game, but he’s since proved any doubters wrong by getting the Bhoys back on track and rolling back the years.

Signing off in style in his final European game, Celtic secured a much-needed victory against Feyenoord on Thursday evening and O’Neill admitted that “confidence” has been restored in the squad.

The veteran manager told reporters: “Judging from last season, the format, you are looking for 10 or 11 points to qualify. It won’t be easy, but Celtic have two home games and the confidence is in the side now.

“I told my two brothers who came to the game to start my chant, so they must have done so. Might as well enjoy it while it lasts. In the dressing room, the lads are full of it.

“It’s hard to say what I thought [when I took charge]. My two daughters were all in on going for it, but my wife said I would probably mess it up. I haven’t messed it up so far. It’s been great. The results are what you live by and they’ve been terrific.

“[The new manager] has got some players who are big winners, which is great. I’m sure he will lean on some of those lads and then it’s about improving some of the other players.

“The restoration of confidence is big and it’s keeping it going after that. Winning away from home is terrific – it’s not easy away from home in Europe. It gives them belief that they can come and compete.”

The job will now be passed over to Nancy, who could be about to lose one of his best academy stars right away amid Liverpool’s interest in Derek Jikiemi.

Liverpool pushing to sign Celtic gem Jikiemi

As reported by The Daily Record, Liverpool are now pushing to sign Celtic gem Jikiemi after sending their scouts to watch the 15-year-old Parkhead wonderkid. The central defender is one of the most talented players in Celtic’s academy, but could be about to follow in Ben Doak’s footsteps by swapping Glasgow for Merseyside.

Although Jikiemi is one for the future, losing him would represent where Celtic currently find themselves in the European pecking order. They won’t be expected to compete Liverpool in the market, but they must do better to keep hold of homegrown talent.

Nancy must unleash Celtic's most frustrating player since Engels

Wilfried Nancy must unleash this Celtic star who is their most frustrating player since Arne Engels.

1 ByDan Emery Nov 26, 2025

If the teenager did complete a move to Anfield then Celtic would only receive compensation for the years that he came through their system in an added blow.

The Hoops can, however, secure their young star to professional terms at the end of the season when he’s 16 years old. Whether they get the chance to do that remains to be seen, however.

Celtic now confident they'll beat Man City to history-making first signing for Nancy

Liverpool continue to pursue a move for Crystal Palace and England star Adam Wharton, with talks now reportedly taking place over a move to Anfield.

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the most promising young players in the country, bringing so much maturity in the middle of the park for Palace.

The £100m-rated Wharton also started for England in their 2-0 win away to Albania on Sunday, which could be the first start of many for the Three Lions in the coming years, having been hailed by former Palace teammate Eberechi Eze.

“He’s an incredible player to play with. Playing with him at Palace, I’ve got used to seeing the way he plays and understanding him. He’s very calm, composed, and a joy to play with. For someone so young, he’s very mature and very wise. When you speak to him, it feels like you’re speaking to someone older than you, that’s the type of person he is. He’s an incredible player.”

Liverpool have been linked with signing Wharton for months now, but he stayed put in the summer, and now an encouraging fresh update has dropped.

Liverpool in talks to sign Adam Wharton

According to a new update from DaveOCKop, Liverpool are “holding initial talks” over the signing of Wharton in 2026, as they ramp up their interest in him.

It is stated that this is a move that is “likely for the summer of 2026 rather than in the January window”, with Palace understandably keen on keeping hold of one of their most prized assets until at least the end of this season.

Wharton stands out as an exceptional option for Liverpool, with the youngster already such an impressive performer for Palace, playing with maturity beyond his years.

He is an unruffled presence with the ability to not only dictate games at his own pace from his deep-lying midfield role, but also put out fires, showing good positional sense and making importantly-timed tackles.

Granted, Wharton wouldn’t arrive at Liverpool on the cheap, especially as he is a young English player, but he could be worth every penny over time, becoming a fulcrum of the Reds’ midfield after already beating them twice this season in the Community Shield and Premier League.

New Trent: Liverpool star is "one of the most underrated players in England"

Slot could find a shrewd solution to Liverpool’s problems in this talent.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 17, 2025

With some doubts persisting over Alexis Mac Allister’s long-term future at Anfield, the England star could be a great choice to come in alongside Ryan Gravenberch, although it would still be far better to sign him and also keep hold of the Argentine World Cup winner.

Liverpool willing to sell first-team star to fund Adam Wharton move