The Frenchman might be Liverpool’s third midfield addition.
Liverpool are said to be willing to fulfill Khephren Thuram’s €30 million (£25.6 million) asking price this summer.
What is the most recent Liverpool transfer news?
The Reds and Jurgen Klopp have been busy in the transfer market this summer as they try to build on a disastrous 2022/23 season in which they failed to qualify for the Champions League.
FSG, the club’s owners, have already spent €112 million (£95.7 million) on two new marquee midfielders. Alexis MacAllister moved to Anfield from Brighton & Hove Albion first, and the Argentine has since been joined by Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig.
Fabrizio Romano did imply that the Reds were interested in three new midfielders this summer, which could leave room for one more signing.
According to reports, Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia might be on his way to Anfield, with Anfield officials believing the player wants the move despite interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. The Saints want £50 million, while Liverpool want £40 million; however, Thuram, another player connected with the Reds, would command a smaller sum.
Paisley Gates relayed an update from Spain on Thuram in the last 48 hours, reporting OGC Nice wants €30 million (£25.6 million) for the Frenchman.
According to the source, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool are all interested; however, the La Liga champions are unable to reach the asking price, whereas the Reds and Bayern Munich are willing to pay it.
Who exactly is Khephren Thuram?
Thuram is primarily a central midfielder who can also play on the left side of midfield and appears to be on the rise, with a career-high €40 million Transfermarkt valuation.
According to WhoScored, the 22-year-old France U21 international has made 138 appearances for the Ligue 1 club and was the club’s sixth highest performer last season. Thuram’s average match rating was higher than that of any other Liverpool midfielder, suggesting that he could be a prudent addition in both the short and long term.
Journalist Zach Lowy believes a move would be wise, describing him as the ideal signing for Klopp’s club due to his outstanding ball-carrying and high press.
“Khephren Thuram is exactly the type of player Liverpool requires to transform their midfield.” Elite ball handler for his height and extremely effective at winning the possession high up the pitch — ideal addition to Klopp’s squad.”
Thuram ranks in the top 1% of midfielders for successful take-ons that lead to a shot and the top 4% for progressive carrying distance, according to FBref.
Liverpool may believe that a deal may be a bargain in the long run at just £25.6m, according to his current Transfermarkt estimate, and the Reds are eager to meet that asking price. As a result, a move could be on the cards, with Liverpool lined up with Thuram, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai in a brand new midfield three next season.