Liverpool are in close talks to sign a £70m “cheat code”.

Liverpool need new parts – again. It is frustrating to walk away from the run of form that has reaped such rewards under Jurgen Klopp, but this team has the potential to bounce back.

While before, Arne Slot was considered a master of strategy whose name entered the hut does not match the logic – because how could this unknown Dutch coach replace the powerful Klopp? – now he’s on the ropes, he can’t find a solution to Liverpool’s many problems, he can’t get a song out of his big-money players.

Liverpool have struggled to turn their problems around this season, but Slott will point to the Champions League qualification, and last season’s Premier League title as testament to his ability to lead the club forward.

But there is no doubt that this is an uneven and choppy group. A variety of summer signage is needed, especially in the middle of the park.

Why Liverpool need to sign a midfielder

Alexis Mac Allister’s days in a Liverpool shirt are numbered. The Argentinian’s decline is surprising. He is no longer a strong talent, capable of producing several seasons of title-winning success at Anfield, after his key role in his nation’s World Cup victory in Qatar.

The 27-year-old has been at the root of his club’s problems this season, and giving him another chance next season would be a huge risk. Paul Joyce of The Times has suggested he could go.

Instead, Liverpool could move for Adam Wharton after receiving the money. According to Reds reporter David Lynch, FSG have many targets for the midfielder, but it is the Crystal Palace star who has emerged as a top target.

Wharton, who is worth £70m, has already been the subject of talks with Lynch noting that Liverpool have been ‘closely in touch with his representatives since his success at Blackburn’. Now, with Oliver Glasner leaving Palace this summer, FSG could have a great opportunity to leapfrog.

The 23-year-old is a wanted man, with Real Madrid and Manchester United also interested.

Why Wharton promoted Liverpool’s Mac Allister

Wharton was instrumental in the growth of Glasner’s project, Crystal Palace, becoming one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe.

Last season, he won the FA Cup; now, the Eagles have one foot in the Conference League final, and the England international has booked the trip, hailed by commentator Ben Mattinson as the “cheat code” in football.

Look at it this way. Liverpool’s off-color midfielder has struggled to make use of Slot’s vision. Mac Allister has been reduced to a broken shell of his former self, drained of energy and vitality. Ryan Gravenberch, on the other hand, did not work as a number six, mainly due to the collapse of the man next to him.

Wharton will fix this. He has assisted five goals and created 14 big chances in the Premier League this season, completing only 78% of his passes but struggling for accuracy due to the eager nature of his passing.

In addition, the rising star won 4.2 duels and averaged two hits per game, emphasizing his rotation.

Mac Allister has not been able to tap into such quality this season, and Liverpool are struggling because of it. It will not enter into a new campaign, and for that reason, this central transition needs to be realized.

The real question is whether Wharton brings the punch and physicality to transform Liverpool’s midfield. He’s a good passer, the closest thing Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions have to the Spanish maestro, but he doesn’t particularly fight.

However, he can work well alongside a strong runner like Dominik Szoboszlai, staying deep and allowing Gravenberch to play an extended role in the slot system.

Commentator Raj Chohan may have said it best: “Wharton improves a team 10 times more than any 6 can.” His ability to play the ball is what Liverpool lack in the heart of the pitch.

In any case, it’s a deal Liverpool need to make. Wharton is a game-changer and that’s exactly what Liverpool’s build-up needs.