OGC Nice sports director Florent Ghisolfi has now admitted Khephren Thuram may be sold during this transfer window amid interest from Liverpool and Newcastle United.
The 22-year-old has sparked admiration among some Premier League clubs after producing a stellar campaign in Ligue 1 last season. Thuram conducted the midfield for Nice across his 35 outings in France’s top-flight. He also hit two goals and four assists at the Allianz Riviera.
But Thuram primarily excelled as Les Aiglons’ holding midfielder through his ability to break up play without going to ground. His ability to intercept the ball and distribute play proved a key facet of Nice’s system last term. The Frenchman can also dribble his way out of trouble.
Liverpool and Newcastle target Thuram’s transfer from Nice
His height and technique further allow Thuram to push forward and pose a threat in the final third. Now, Liverpool and Newcastle have the midfielder on their shortlists to strengthen the Anfield and St James’ Park engine rooms. But Lilian Thuram’s son will not be a cheap target.
The Northern Echo reported at the end of June that Newcastle had identified Thuram as an alternative transfer target to new Liverpool signing Dominik Szoboszlai. But Nice value their conductor at upward of £60m. He is also under contract on the French Riviera to June 2025.
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Fabrizio Romano also told Born and Red earlier in July that Liverpool are interested in a deal for Thuram. He even noted the Nice star wants to move to Anfield this summer. But Romano later added that Liverpool feel Thuram is asking for a wage that exceeds the club’s valuation.
What has Nice chief Ghisolfi said about a transfer for Thuram?
Liverpool view any transfer as a complicated case given Thuram’s demands and Nice’s lofty price tag. But Ghisolfi has now given the Reds, and Newcastle, possible cause for optimism after admitting that the AS Monaco product may leave Les Aiglons if the right deal emerges.
“They are in demand and somewhere, so much the better,” he said, via France Bleu Azur, on Thuram and Jean-Clair Todibo. “They are two internationals, it is a source of pride for Nice. We want to keep all our vital forces but in our way of working, we never attach a player.
“If all the parties can find themselves in a transfer, it can be done. They and their entourage are very good in Nice and are respectful of the institution. If we can keep them, [we will].”