Liverpool wrapped up a deal for Jeremy Jacquet on transfer deadline day, and attention is now turning to other areas of the pitch
14:21, 03 Feb 2026Updated 14:38, 03 Feb 2026
Liverpool have wrapped up a deal for Jeremy Jacquet(Image: Neal Simpson/Allstar, Getty Images)
Liverpool’s transfer deadline day was about the future rather than the present, with the Reds securing a deal for Jeremy Jacquet. French centre-half Jacquet will arrive at Anfield from Rennes in the summer after the Reds beat the likes of Chelsea to his signature.
If that proves to be the sole piece of business completed by the 2024/25 league champions in the summer, it would come as somewhat of a shock. We may not witness as hectic a window as last summer, when the club shattered the league’s transfer record on two occasions, but it’s likely to be busier than Arne Slot’s quiet first window at the helm.
The centre of defence was area seen as needing significant attention before the Jacquet deal was sealed and now focus shifts to other positions on the pitch. Jurgen Klopp strengthened Liverpool’s midfield during his final summer window, bringing in Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo – but could another recruit be required to freshen things up?
Liverpool have already demonstrated they’re an inviting destination for sought-after players by winning the race for Jacquet. Now they have an opportunity to replicate the feat with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton.
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The Reds’ rivals Manchester United have been strongly associated with England midfielder Wharton, who has flourished at Selhurst Park since arriving from Blackburn in January 2024. Real Madrid were likewise referenced as potential suitors for the England international but it remains to be seen whether they’ll continue pursuing a deal now that manager Xabi Alonso has been replaced.
A transfer fee of more than £100million was being suggested in January, though it’s unclear whether Palace’s particular circumstances compelled them to establish an unrealistic valuation. Marc Guehi’s Manchester City move always felt possible given the defender’s contract situation but the additional speculation over an exit for Jean-Philippe Mateta threatened to prove troublesome enough without the prospect of losing Wharton too.
With manager Oliver Glasner to leave Selhurst Park in the summer, Wharton might yet determine the moment has arrived for him to seek pastures new. If Glasner ends up at a top club immediately, the midfielder could yet decide he wants an instant reunion with the Austrian.
Adam Wharton in action for Crystal Palace(Image: Visionhaus, Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Liverpool ought to consider themselves amongst the contenders, though. At 21, Wharton still possesses untapped potential to unlock and has the quality to dictate from a deep starting role, which can complement the rest of the Reds’ midfield.
It was a relatively quiet window across the board for Premier League clubs. Just two players joined English sides for fees beyond £40million – Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo and Crystal Palace recruit Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Things should be different come the summer, however, with selling clubs having more opportunity to find replacements for any player who secures a transfer. Wharton could very well tick the boxes regarding what Liverpool need next, although there’s every possibility he won’t be the final addition.
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