Liverpool handed Adam Wharton update with Cody Gakpo move also addressed
Liverpool have been urged to make a move for Adam Wharton, with Arne Slot also advised to strengthen the left-wing position this summer.
The Reds are already being linked with several names ahead of the transfer window after an underwhelming defence of their Premier League crown. Midfield is viewed as a key area needing reinforcement, particularly with Alexis Mac Allister attracting interest from Real Madrid and Wataru Endo struggling for game time before picking up a serious foot injury.
Wharton, currently at Crystal Palace, has caught the attention of several top clubs, and former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey believes he would be an ideal addition. Speaking to OLBG, Heskey said Liverpool need a natural holding midfielder and feels the 22-year-old fits the profile perfectly.
Heskey praised Wharton’s left foot, composure and passing range, suggesting he could control games from a deep-lying role. He also compared him to current options such as Sandro Tonali, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, arguing that Wharton would allow Gravenberch in particular to play further forward and utilise his athleticism instead of sitting deep.
In addition to midfield reinforcements, Heskey believes Liverpool should reassess their left-wing options. He suggested Cody Gakpo has not reached the levels he showed last season and questioned whether he is best suited to playing wide.
Heskey shared his view that Gakpo may be more effective centrally as a number nine or 10, although competition in those roles — especially if Florian Wirtz is involved — could complicate matters. He added that the manager’s tactical expectations of a winger will ultimately determine whether changes are made, noting that Gakpo operates more as an inside forward than a traditional touchline winger.
