Liverpool should pull the plug on Adam Wharton, there are two better alternatives on offer
Liverpool are keeping tabs on Adam Wharton but the difficulties of prising him from Crystal Palace and his rocketing price tag should force a re-think.
Sources told Football Insider that Liverpool are very interested in signing Wharton from the Eagles in the upcoming transfer windows.
The England international is one of the country’s finest midfield products, characterised by his class, composure and amazing passing range.
However, with Crystal Palace expected to block Liverpool from signing Wharton, Arne Slot and the Anfield recruitment team must identify some classy alternatives.
Football Insider picks out two European rising stars who the Reds should go after instead, courtesy of data from the 2024-25 domestic campaign via FBRef.
Nicolo Rovella – Lazio
The ex-Juventus maestro joined Lazio last summer on a permanent deal yet has been gradually emerging as one of the finest Italian youth prodigies the country has to offer.
At just 23-years-old, Nicolo Rovella is one of the first names on the team sheet and is an Italy international.
When comparing the number six with Wharton, his stats eclipse Liverpool’s primary midfield target.
The former Monza man had a pass completion rate of 89.6 per cent last season, far greater than the Englishman’s 75.6 per cent.
Moreover, from a defensive point of view, Rovella won 1.66 tackles per-90, besting Wharton’s 0.96.
On top of this, it is evident that the Reds could entrust the Italian with being the primary pivot in the midfield, amassing 77.9 touches per-90 which is superior to Wharton’s 59.7.
| Selected stats 2024-25 domestic season | Adam Wharton | Nicolo Rovella |
| Appearances (starts) | 20 (16) | 33 (31) |
| Minutes played | 1,318 | 2,718 |
| Assists | 2 | 3 |
| Pass completion rate | 75.6% | 89.6% |
| Touches per-90 | 59.7 | 77.9 |
| Interceptions per-90 | 1.37 | 1.56 |
This suggests the Eagles man may not be completely ready to take on the mantle of dictating play for Liverpool, whereas the former Genoa warrior looks to be playing far beyond his years.
Lamine Camara – Monaco
During the summer, sources told Football Insider that Tottenham were interested in Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.
Yet, the Ligue 1 outfit have another talent in their ranks in the form of Lamine Camara who should be receiving more attention across Europe.
The Senegal international is an all-round gifted centre-midfielder who is capable of defending as well as orchestrating deadly attacks.
From a creative point of view the former Metz man delivered 1.93 key passes per-90 last season, greater than Wharton’s 1.78.
Defensively, Camara is a monster in the air, winning 50 per cent of his aerial duels last campaign, surpassing the Englishman’s 30.4 per cent.
In addition to this, his 5.18 clearances per-90 highlight his tenacity to keep his opponents out of Monaco’s defensive third, something Wharton cannot equal (2.67).
At just 21-years-old, the Senegalese is the same age as the Eagles metronome.
By bringing him to Anfield, he would be a magnificent signing to stabilise the middle-of-the-park for the foreseeable future.