Liverpool schedule €40m bid for crucial next midfield signing after also targeting defensive teammate
Liverpool have decided when they are going to make their opening offer for Khephren Thuram after earmarking him as their next midfield target – while one of his Nice teammates has also reportedly caught their attention.
Liverpool’s midfield rebuild has begun with the addition of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton. It was the first of a few necessary moves after the releases of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Next on the agenda for Liverpool as they aim to upgrade their midfield is Thuram. After the busiest season of his career with 48 appearances for Nice, the 22-year-old is high on Liverpool’s wish list.
Ibrahima Konate has already lent his support to their pursuit of Thuram.
According to Nice Matin, the Premier League side have now mapped out a timeline for their pursuit of Thuram.
France have called him up for the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Their first fixture will be against Italy on Thursday. Should they get all the way to the final, their last fixture would be on July 8.
The report claims Liverpool will wait until Thuram’s involvement at the U21 Euros has ended before advancing with their first bid to his current club.
Nice have Thuram under contract until 2025, but are hoping to receive at least €40m (£34.4m) from his sale. That kind of fee should be within reach for a club like Liverpool.
Liverpool look at Thuram and Todibo
Interestingly, the report adds that the Reds have also become keen on Jean-Clair Todibo, who plays behind Thuram as a centre-back for Nice.
Liverpool are said to be in the market for a fourth-choice centre-back, which indicates someone could be leaving. Perhaps Joel Matip might be on his way out, for example.
However, Liverpool have quickly decided that they want someone younger than Todibo – who is only 23 himself – to occupy that space in their squad.
Therefore, instead of a double deal, it appears they will be focusing firmly on Thuram when the time comes to negotiate with Nice.
They could provide Lilian Thuram’s son and Marcus Thuram’s brother with his first taste of Premier League football if all goes to plan. Europa League involvement will also be on offer; Khephren Thuram participated in the Conference League this season but has appeared in the two superior UEFA competitions earlier in his career.
Soon, after spells with Monaco and Nice, he could be offered the next step by Liverpool.
Thuram can play as a number eight or as a holding midfielder, or even wider on the left flank. Therefore, he could become useful to Jurgen Klopp in various ways.
Liverpool are playing a waiting game for the time being, though.
