The “Anfield-style” celebrations have just gone “nuclear.” Following Liverpool’s dramatic derby victory, reports emerging today, Friday, April 24, 2026, confirm that the Reds have successfully “hijacked” Manchester United’s top midfield target. Adam Wharton has reportedly signed a five-year deal to join Liverpool this summer, in what is being called the most “vicious” transfer war of the decade. Wharton, the 22-year-old Crystal Palace and England midfield “maestro,” was widely expected to be Michael Carrick’s first major signing at Old Trafford. However, Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes—who has been under “vocal” pressure to find a successor for the departing Alexis Mac Allister-reportedly “ramped up” negotiations in the last 24 hours to snatch the deal from under United’s nose. “IT’S FINALLY DONE… LIVERPOOL HAVE PULLED OFF THE ULTIMATE HIJACK!” – SOURCES REVEAL OO The “Wharton” Masterclass: Why He is the “Vital Oxygen” Adam Wharton has been described by pundits as a “10/10” midfield technician, and Arne Slot reportedly views him as the “perfect foil” for his tactical system. • The Fee: While United were “seriously working” on the deal, Liverpool have reportedly agreed to a “stratospheric” £80 million package to trigger the release. The Role: As a “highly rated box-to-box midfielder,” Wharton brings a “composed and creative” presence that Slot believes will stabilize a midfield currently facing a “shattering” injury Crisis. The Comparison: Insiders suggest Slot sees Wharton as the “next generation” of the Liverpool engine room, capable of dictating play like a “stratospheric” hybrid of Xabi Alonso and Thiago. LIVERPOOL BEAT THEIR RIVALS TO THE MOST SOUGHT-AFTER TALENT IN ENGLAND! ** The Man Utd Fallout: “A Shattering Blow for Carrick” For Michael Carrick, this news is reportedly “vicious.” • The “First Signing” Disaster: Carrick had reportedly identified Wharton as his “priority target” to build his permanent project around. Losing him to Liverpool is being viewed as a “shameful” failure for the INEOS recruitment team. • The Pivot: United must now turn to “emergency” alternatives, with Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Real Madrid’s Arda Güler being mentioned in “nuclear” rumors. “CARRICK IS FURIOUS AFTER THE HIJACK WAS COMPLETED!” The “New Era” at Anfield: 2026 Rebuild Begins With Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson confirmed to be leaving, Wharton’s arrival provides “vital oxygen” to a fanbase in “disbelief.” The Exodus: Despite up to seven players rumored to be on their way out, securing Wharton proves that Liverpool still has the “stratospheric” pull to win a transfer war. The World Cup Factor: Wharton is expected to be a “nuclear” part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 Worla Cup, meaning his value could skyrocket even further by August. TRANSFER WAR WON — THE REDS ARE CELEBRATING A MASSIVE BOOST! JOE Fans React: “The Next Steven Gerrard!” vs. “United Got Robbed!” The “vocal euphoria” on Merseyside has reached a “boiling point” since the “hijack” news broke. • “Adam Wharton is the most intelligent midfielder in the league. To take him from Man Utd at the last second? Richard Hughes, you have cooked something stratospheric!” one fan tweeted. • “First we lose the game at the Bridge, now we lose our top target to Liverpool. This is an unserious start to the summer for United. We need answers!” an angry United supporter fumed. What’s Next? The “Wharton” Arrival Adam Wharton is set to officially arrive at Antield on July 1. 2026. With the “shattering o” transter wal now won, will this be the signing that returns Liverpool to the top of the “stratospheric” Premier League table? THE HIJACK IS DONE AND THE STAKES ARE STRATOSPHERIC — IS ADAM WHARTON THE MIDFIELD MASTERMIND LIVERPOOL HAS BEEN WAITING FOR? Post navigation Palace team news: Who Crystal Palace will miss in Liverpool clash Glasner sends Liverpool warning ahead of Anfield clash