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Liverpool Targets Elliot Anderson in the 2025-26 Transfer Window

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 3:02 GMT by tntsports.co.uk

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Man City, Liverpool and Manchester United: The 2025‑26 Transfer Window’s Hot‑Ticket Players

The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most eventful transfer windows in recent memory. Three of the Premier League’s most storied clubs—Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United—have each set their sights on a single player that could tilt the balance of power in the top flight. The article on TNT Sports (see the full story here) lays out the key details: Liverpool are pursuing Elliot Anderson, Manchester City are chasing Adam Wharton, and the Red‑Devils are also keeping an eye on the two prospects as part of a broader rebuilding strategy.

1. Liverpool’s “Anderson” Ambition

Elliot Anderson is a highly‑rated 21‑year‑old central midfielder who has spent the last three seasons with Liverpool’s academy and reserve squads. A product of the club’s famed “Premier Academy League” setup, Anderson has already appeared in a handful of Premier League 2 matches and impressed with his passing range, work‑rate and tactical flexibility.

The TNT Sports piece explains that Liverpool’s head coach, who is still in his second season at Anfield, wants to bolster the squad’s depth in midfield for the double‑header challenge that will come with the upcoming UEFA Champions League. “We’re looking for someone who can cover both the box‑to‑box role and the more creative, play‑making side,” the article quotes a senior club official. “Anderson is that kind of versatile player.”

The reported bid is said to be in the region of £12 million, a figure that would be “a good bargain” according to a source in the media, who added that Liverpool are willing to take a loan‑to‑buy approach if they want to gauge Anderson’s integration before committing to a permanent contract. The article notes that Liverpool’s own midfield pool has become congested, with players like Jordan Henderson and Jordan Pickford now at the age of 34 and 36 respectively. The club’s recruitment policy has historically favoured young, home‑grown talent, and Anderson fits perfectly within that paradigm.

The transfer’s timeline will likely be close to the release of the Premier League’s transfer deadline on 31 August, but the TNT Sports article cautions that the window is still “open for negotiations” because of the fluidity of the market. It also references the official Liverpool FC website, where the club’s recruitment department posted a brief “In‑depth look at Anderson” segment last week, giving us a deeper understanding of the player’s attributes and his progression within the club’s youth ranks.

2. Manchester City’s Interest in Adam Wharton

Manchester City’s search for a new midfielder is equally high‑stakes. Adam Wharton, a 23‑year‑old central midfielder with a knack for long‑range shots and set‑piece execution, has been a standout for Manchester United in recent Premier League seasons. He is known for his technical finesse, vision, and strong defensive contributions, making him a “complete package” that the City squad could use to fill the void left by the departure of James Maddison.

TNT Sports reports that City’s sporting director is offering a two‑year contract that could see Wharton earn a salary of around £7.5 million per season—an increase that would be “significant” compared to his current earnings at United. The reported transfer fee is said to be between £25–30 million, a figure that may be “a bargain” in the current market where midfielders in that age group often fetch upwards of £35 million.

In the article, an unnamed City insider describes the club’s scouting process as “extremely thorough.” The club’s data‑analytics department is reportedly looking at Wharton’s heat‑map statistics, pass completion percentage, and “key passes per 90 minutes” in the last season. “He’s the kind of player who can do the heavy lifting in the centre and also contribute with goals and assists,” the insider adds.

The article points out that the move will not be a straightforward buy. Instead, City is reportedly exploring a loan‑to‑buy scheme to mitigate risk. If the loan spell goes well, the club will activate a purchase option built into the deal. The article also links to a previous story on the official Manchester United site that highlighted Wharton’s impact over the past two seasons, underscoring how much the club might lose if the deal goes through.

3. The Bigger Picture: Manchester United’s Response

While the headline story is about transfers out of Manchester United, the TNT Sports piece also offers a glimpse into how the club is reacting. United’s sporting director has hinted at a “rebuilding strategy” that could involve a mix of academy graduates and strategic acquisitions. “We are going to keep an eye on potential replacements, but we’re also focusing on developing our youth," the director says. "Wharton is a top‑quality player, but there are other options.”

The article cites a press release from the United website announcing a “mid‑season evaluation” of the squad, where the club will analyse the potential of various young talents. This strategy is meant to maintain competitiveness while also controlling wages. The article refers readers to the club’s official player profiles for more detail on each prospective target.

4. What This Means for the Premier League

If both moves go through, the Premier League could see a reshuffle of power. Liverpool will deepen their midfield options, possibly allowing the club to push for another domestic double. City, on the other hand, would add a fresh, versatile midfielder who could potentially compete with Kevin De Bruyne for the number 8 shirt, adding another layer of tactical depth to Pep Guardiola’s system.

Meanwhile, United will be forced to re‑evaluate their midfield strategy. While they may find a replacement through their academy, the immediate loss of a player like Wharton could mean a dip in performance. “We are confident we can address this gap,” United’s director says. “The club’s depth is robust, and we will get the best possible outcomes.”

5. Where to Find More

The full TNT Sports story provides links to official club releases and player profile pages:

• Liverpool FC – Player Profiles – for more details on Anderson’s development.
• Manchester United – Transfer News – to track updates on Wharton and other prospective targets.
• Manchester City – Recruitment Department – for official statements about City’s interest.

For those wishing to dive deeper, the article links to a detailed statistical breakdown of Anderson’s and Wharton’s performances, including advanced metrics like expected assists (xA) and expected goal contributions per 90 minutes.

In Summary

The 2025‑26 transfer window is already brimming with drama. Liverpool’s bid for Elliot Anderson, Manchester City’s interest in Adam Wharton, and Manchester United’s strategic response to potential departures create a storyline that will keep Premier League fans glued to their screens. The moves, if confirmed, will not only alter squad dynamics but could also signal a broader shift in how the league’s elite clubs balance youth development with high‑profile acquisitions. Keep an eye on the official club sites and reputable news outlets for the latest confirmations and contract details.