​Liverpool have long been linked with Adam Wharton, with the Englishman repeatedly appearing on the Reds’ radar as a top target thanks to his standout performances for Crystal Palace, which have elevated him into the upper tier of Premier League defensive midfielders. Yet the current market conditions make pursuing Wharton seem increasingly impractical. With Harvey Elliott joining Manchester City for £116 million and other big-name moves like Sandro Tonali to Tottenham for £100 million, the price tag for Wharton appears inflated, leaving Liverpool to wonder if a cheaper alternative might be smarter this summer. There has even been talk of a swap deal involving Elliott as a way to trim costs, but there could be a more viable option for the club to pursue than Wharton in the current window.
One area that Andoni Iraola and Richard Hughes clearly need to reinforce this summer is the number six role. Ryan Gravenberch, who enjoyed a strong defensive influence at times in the 2024-25 season, was markedly off his best last year. When he did receive the ball, he often found himself brushed off by opponents, and his distribution frequently failed to reach its intended targets. That inconsistency contributed to Liverpool’s struggle to move the ball effectively from defense to attack, a factor that helped limit their chances and underscored the urgency of upgrading in midfield.
This has left fans calling for a new defensive midfielder, and a name that has recently emerged as a potential option has spoken about his future. Marc Casado, drawing attention from Barca Blaugranes for his remarks, said, “I try not to look at the news. I found out that some clubs had signed me through messages from friends… a lot of nonsense comes out. On Monday, I’ll speak with whoever is necessary. With the coach, the club, agents, and we’ll decide what’s best.” His response hints at a measured, pragmatic approach to his future and suggests a willingness to consider Liverpool’s interest if the move proves right for all parties involved.
Liverpool do have several areas that could benefit from improvement, and Arne Slot’s team does not appear to have been at their best in the recent campaign. Without a number of new arrivals, it remains uncertain how the Reds will fare in the 2026-27 season, particularly in terms of squad depth and balance. Consequently, the financial logic of pursuing cheaper options becomes relevant. With Casado reported to be available for around €20-€30 million from Barcelona, the Portuguese-Spanish midfielder presents a financially attractive proposition for a club looking to optimize expenditure while addressing midfield gaps.
In terms of on-field potential, Casado has shown versatility useful to a Premier League side. In the 2025-26 season, he featured for Barcelona across 34 games in all competitions, primarily operating as a defensive midfielder but occasionally covering at right-back as needed. Crucially, he is two years younger than Gravenberch, which adds long-term value. FotMob’s data from last season highlights his efficiency and competitive edge: Casado completed 91 percent of his passes in La Liga, indicating a reliable ball-playing ability from midfield, and he won 53.8 percent of his aerial duels, demonstrating a willingness to contest duels and contribute defensively. He also logged 36 defensive contributions as Barcelona conceded just 10 goals in league play while he was involved, underscoring his impact across both defensive and transitional phases of the game.
All told, Casado emerges as a compelling option for Liverpool should they prioritize cost-effective upgrade in midfield. He combines youthful profile, proven La Liga experience, and a demonstrated capacity to contribute to both defensive stability and ball progression. If Liverpool can negotiate a reasonable fee with Barcelona and align the move with Casado’s development trajectory and the club’s tactical plans, he could offer the balance and dynamism that the team needs in the six role. As the window progresses, the Reds will weigh whether Casado represents the best value alternative to Wharton and whether a structured, strategic acquisition can deliver the upgrade their midfield requires ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.