Liverpool Eyeing Midfielder 'Similar to Rodri' as Potential Transfer Target

Anfield Index journalist Lewis Steele confirms Liverpool's interest in Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton as a midfield reinforcement.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:50am

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Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who has been described as a player 'similar to Rodri' in his playing style. Journalist Lewis Steele of the Anfield Index podcast highlighted Wharton's technical ability and composure on the ball, suggesting he could be a good fit for Liverpool's midfield needs. However, Steele acknowledged that securing a deal for Wharton may not be straightforward due to Crystal Palace's reputation for being stubborn negotiators and the potential high cost of the transfer.

Why it matters

Liverpool are expected to address multiple areas of their squad in the upcoming summer transfer window, with the midfield being an important focus. The potential departure of Curtis Jones and the need for long-term options have made Wharton an appealing target, as he could provide the control and balance Liverpool are seeking in the middle of the park.

The details

Steele praised Wharton's qualities, describing him as 'a Spanish midfielder in an Englishman's body' and comparing his style to that of Sergio Busquets and Rodri. The journalist believes Wharton's ability to 'sit in those deeper line pockets and dictate play' would make him a natural fit within Liverpool's system.

  • The Media Matters discussion about Liverpool's interest in Wharton took place on March 28, 2026.

The players

Adam Wharton

A midfielder currently playing for Crystal Palace, who has been identified as a potential transfer target for Liverpool due to his technical abilities and playing style that has been compared to Sergio Busquets and Rodri.

Curtis Jones

A Liverpool midfielder whose future at the club is reportedly uncertain due to limited playing time, potentially opening the door for the club to pursue a player like Wharton as a replacement.

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What they’re saying

“I think he's class, I really do.”

— Lewis Steele, Journalist

“he's like a Spanish midfielder in an Englishman's body, a bit similar to a Sergio Busquets or a Rodri”

— Lewis Steele, Journalist

“then I think Adam Wharton's the perfect replacement”

— Lewis Steele, Journalist

What’s next

Liverpool will need to negotiate with Crystal Palace, who are known to be stubborn negotiators, in order to secure a deal for Adam Wharton. The club will also have to weigh the potential cost of the transfer against their other summer priorities as they look to strengthen their midfield options.

The takeaway

This story highlights Liverpool's proactive approach to squad planning, as they look to identify potential long-term solutions to address areas of need in their midfield. The comparison of Wharton to players like Rodri suggests Liverpool are seeking a specific profile of player to provide control and balance in the middle of the park, which could make the Crystal Palace midfielder an appealing target if the club can navigate the complexities of securing a deal.