Ibrahima Konate looks to have been making friends with reported Liverpool transfer target Khephren Thuram.
Thuram is one of a multitude of midfielders linked with a move to Anfield ahead of the summer transfer window. The son of World Cup winner Lilian, Khephren has been impressing enormously in Ligue 1 for Nice.
In fact, so impressive has the 21-year-old been, that he’s now earned himself a call-up to the French national team. Following in the footsteps of brother Marcus, as well as his father, it’s another proud moment for the Thuram family.
Clearly excited to get going, Khephren made sure to document his first days as a senior international player on Instagram. Posting on his stories, the Nice midfielder shared a series of pictures, mostly with brother Marcus.
The one exception was a picture taken with Liverpool’s very own Konate. Emerging from the front steps at Clairefontaine, the two players walk alongside each other, with Ibou tagged in the post for good measure.
Thuram makes step-up in class
Of course, this isn’t the first time Thuram and Konate have crossed paths. The two have come through the French youth set-ups at roughly the same time. But the relationship could help Liverpool, certainly.
In the same way that Trent Alexander-Arnold has befriended Jude Bellingham, it’s always good to have current players put in a good word for potential future ones.
In regards to Thuram, it’s hard to know if his call-up helps or hinders Liverpool in their reported pursuit of him.
Back in January, it was claimed that he could have been theirs for as little as £26.5m. Now an international alongside some superstars of the game, Nice may feel they can ask for quite a bit more.
With money already put aside for a big run at top target Bellingham, the Reds could do with a couple of budget options on their longlist. Too big-a price rise and Thuram will probably be off the list.
But at the same time, they’ll get a chance to see how he does amongst elite players. Should he do well, it could intensify Liverpool’s interest. In the meantime, keep getting in his ear, Ibou!