Exclusive: Khephren Thuram set to join Nice after agreeing personal terms

Liverpool Close to Signing Nice Midfielder Khephren Thuram

Liverpool Football Club is reportedly on the verge of signing Khephren Thuram, the French midfielder who is currently playing for Nice. Thuram, 22, is the son of legendary France defender Lilian Thuram and brother of Borussia Monchengladbach attacker Marcus Thuram. According to Football Transfers, Liverpool has agreed on personal terms with the highly-rated French midfielder. The club has been tracking Thuram since January, and Thuram’s representatives are pushing for a move to Anfield this summer.

Thuram’s Rise in Fame

Thuram has been in the spotlight this season after making a name for himself at the Allianz Riviera, ending the 2022-23 campaign with two goals and eight assists from 48 matches in all competitions. He played a key role in helping Nice reach the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League. Thuram started 30 Ligue 1 contests for Nice, scoring two goals and setting up four more in the top flight, before missing their final three games with a hamstring injury.

The France Under-21 international is only under contract at Nice for another two seasons, and several top Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Manchester City, have been linked with him. However, Liverpool is believed to be in the driving seat to bring the versatile midfielder to England next term.

Negotiations with Nice

Liverpool is now believed to be discussing a fee with Nice, who are not willing to let Thuram go on the cheap, despite the fact that his contract will run out in 2025. Interest from Newcastle, in particular, could drive Thuram’s price up, and he could end up fetching a fee of €60m (£51.4m), although Nice would be content to let him leave for €45m (£38.6m).

Despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain and other clubs, the French club would want any interested party to stump up the payment in full. They had apparently rejected an offer from PSG to pay the fee in instalments.

Liverpool’s Need for New Midfielders

Liverpool has already signed Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion on a five-year deal. However, the Reds are still looking to bring in at least three new midfielders to Merseyside after waving goodbye to Arthur, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner, and Naby Keita.

Editorial & Analysis: What Thuram’s Signing Means for Liverpool

The signing of Khephren Thuram would be a significant addition to Liverpool and reinforce their squad depth. With Liverpool looking to bolster their midfield options, Thuram would provide the right balance of creativity and defensive contribution. He is a versatile player who can play as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, and left winger. Liverpool’s midfield has been an area of concern in recent years, with the departure of some of their key players. Thuram’s arrival would bring stability to the Reds’ midfield and allow them to compete at the highest level both domestically and in Europe.

The signing of Thuram would also send a strong message to Liverpool’s rivals, Manchester City and Manchester United, who have shown interest in the player. Liverpool’s midfield has been a critical factor in their recent success, and adding Thuram to the mix would only strengthen their position as genuine title contenders.

Advice for Liverpool

While the signing of Thuram would be a significant addition to Liverpool, the club must be cautious in its negotiations with Nice and regarding the transfer fee. With other top Premier League clubs interested in Thuram, Liverpool must ensure that they do not overpay for the midfielder. Furthermore, Liverpool must be careful not to disrupt the harmony of their existing team by introducing too many new players. While Thuram’s arrival would be welcome, Liverpool must continue to build on their existing success by adding quality without disrupting the balance and harmony of their squad.