![\"Richard](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/w=1200,h=673,fit=cover,q=90,g=face,dpr=1,f=auto,scq=50.jpeg\")
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\n \u00a9 IMAGO – Richard Hughes Arne Slot Liverpool\n <\/p>\n
Liverpool may finally be turning their attention to a long-term successor for Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the need for a player of his quality now becoming clear. <\/p>\n
Conor Bradley\u2019s injury earlier this season only highlighted a problem that sporting director Richard Hughes was always likely to confront.<\/p>\n
Article continues under the video<\/p>\n
Despite ongoing efforts behind the scenes, replacing a player with Alexander-Arnold\u2019s unique skill set has proven far more challenging than expected.<\/p>\n
There is also a growing sense that Jeremie Frimpong is viewed by Arne Slot as more of an attacking option than a conventional right-back, with his own injury concerns adding further doubt.<\/p>\n
Frimpong\u2019s strengths are best utilised higher up the pitch, and he has not consistently been relied upon in a deeper defensive role.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Dominik Szoboszlai has occasionally filled in at right-back, though that has always appeared to be a short-term workaround rather than a lasting solution.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Beyond the defensive concerns, Liverpool are also feeling the absence of Alexander-Arnold\u2019s creativity.<\/p>\n
His ability to dictate play from deep and unlock defences was a key part of the team\u2019s identity. Florian Wirtz was expected to help compensate for that loss, but so far, he has yet to fully deliver in that regard.<\/p>\n
The German is best deployed further up the field – hence why he is more of a creator in and around the penalty area. Arne Slot tried to deploy Wirtz deeper earlier on in the season to make-up for the loss of Alexander-Arnold but it didn’t work.<\/p>\n
With the way Liverpool want to play, they will need a player who can do what Alexander-Arnold did – which is progress the ball and create chances from deep.<\/p>\n
Liverpool need a true line-breaker, who can involve himself in the build-up and create high quality chances on a regular and consistent basis.<\/p>\n
There isn’t a right-back like that in world football right now. However, there is a midfielder.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
His name is Adam Wharton.<\/p>\n
Out of central midfielders in the Premier League Adam Wharton has the second highest xA from open play (4.72) and he also ranks in the top 5 for progressive passes (8.74 per 90 minutes).<\/p>\n
Wharton is that player, he does what Trent used to do at Liverpool – just from midfield.<\/p>\n
He’s the perfect solution and it looks like the Reds are closing in on a move to sign him.<\/p>\n
Speaking on Radio Marca<\/a>, Matteo Moretto revealed that Liverpool are in negotiations with the England midfielder and that they want to sign him this summer, with contacts having already been made.<\/p>\n He added that Wharton’s preference is to stay in the Premier League, which is a good indication for Liverpool’s chances of getting their man – because Real Madrid had previously also been linked with him.<\/p>\n Given that negotiations are now underway, it looks like Liverpool are finally closing in on their replacement for Alexander-Arnold.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd34 Shop the LFC 2025\/26 adidas home range<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb Liverpool get GREEN light to sign Nico Schlotterbeck<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb Centre-back confirms he’s ready to join Liverpool<\/a><\/p>\n