Liverpool confirmed their first signing of the summer on Thursday, unveiling Argentine World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister as their new number ten – famously worn by Sadio Mane, John Barnes and Philippe Coutinho, so no pressure!
Although the signing of the former Brighton and Hove Albion star is a fantastic start to the midfield rebuild desperately needed at Anfield, it will take more to get the side back to winning trophies and competing for the Premier League title.
Now it looks like the Reds are wasting no time in getting their next piece of business done – according to journalist Jacque Talbot, Liverpool have verbally agreed on terms with OGC Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram.
The Football Transfers journalist revealed on Twitter last night:
“Exc: Understand personal terms have been verbally agreed between Liverpool and OGC Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram.”
The verdict on Liverpool’s move for Khephren Thuram…
The Anfield faithful will be thrilled that the club’s recruitment team are finally investing time and money into identifying and acquiring midfielders who can inject energy and fresh perspectives into the centre of the pitch.
With Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all departing this summer, there is a real opportunity to now build the next generation of success for Jurgen Klopp to lead to more success.
As a result, the signing of Thuram will be warmly welcomed as the Frenchman has been showing glimpses of his huge talent and quality over the last 12 months.
Over 35 Ligue One appearances, the 22-year-old has scored two goals, registered four assists and created nine big chances, as well as averaging 1.1 key passes, 1.5 tackles, 1.3 successful dribbles and 3.8 duels won per game, demonstrating that he is a solid all-rounder.
The box-to-box midfielder – who is the son of World Cup winner Lilian Thuram and brother to Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus – has been a breakout talent in French football and recently earned his first call-up to the France national team.
His strong development and rise into the spotlight has prompted high praise with Aaron Ramsey full of compliments for his Nice teammate:
“Khéphren is another talented player here. I think he’s definitely got a big future ahead of him if he carries on the way he’s going at the minute.”
“He’s very dangerous, very powerful, a very strong dribbler of the ball.”
Standing at 6 foot 4, Thuram is a huge presence in midfield combining power, pace and technical excellence making him a potentially huge asset to replace Keita and becoming the successor for the captain, Jordan Henderson.
With that being said, this move is definitely one to watch for Liverpool fans and if the club can secure the deal it would be a great statement of the ambition to compete at the highest level again next season.
