Liverpool’s need for a midfielder has been evident all campaign and a stark reminder was provided in the opening second half exchanges at Villa Park. The need for legs and physicality mixed with a Cody Gakpo story, means Reds everywhere are believing we’ll be active in the January market in this area. Whilst the likes of Jude, Enzo etc may well prove beyond reach just now and if the rumoured Caicedo asking price does indeed prove too high, an apparent solution may come from a famous footballing family but in the shape of an unheralded name.
What’s been said?
Very little around directly about the player and practically nothing about a move to Anfield social media aside. However, Thuram has been linked with a number of fellow Premier League clubs in the form of Newcastle and Spurs and french side PSG last summer and in the recent months. Often reduced to a third part player in articles naming the young Frenchman as the son of Les Bleus’ legend Lillian and brother of current international Marcus, his performances for Nice have ensured that he’s on the radar of many top sides. Thuram has enjoyed a billing as one of French footballs 20 hottest properties and is predicted by some as having the potential to be the next big export after Aurelien Tchoumeni’s recent departure to Real Madrid.
What does he bring?
Plenty according to Sam McGuire’s recent Patreon article this summer. The French under 21 international brings an obvious physicality at 6ft 4in and 81 kgs, which the Reds have been severely lacking this season. The 21 year old also possess a real mix of dribbling skills, pace, power, stamina and the ability to break up play whilst it should be noted that despite being a number six, the former Monaco youngster can also play on the left side of midfield. There are concerns that he’s untested at the highest level, as the Europa Conference League can prove difficult to evaluate but it would be Thuram’s potential and high ceiling that’s being paid for.
Stats and Info
The dual nationality player has been an ever present for Nice in this campaign to date, with an impressive 23 appearances and a decent four assists to his name in 1603 minutes. The Reggio-Emilia native has a contract with the french club until 2025 and interestingly utilises his family when needed as agents / advisors. Thuram’s stats are comparable to that of Fabinho’s in the sense of a similar pass completion percentage (86.8% to 87.3%) and average progressive passes per 90 mins (3.70 to 3.62). According to capology.com, a reported weekly wage of less than €18,000 per week should prove no issue to Liverpool if a move was to be made.
Realistic?
A difficult one to surmise as Thuram’s is a name that’s come from nowhere, but appears to be widely accepted as a realistic target on social media for Jurgen Klopp. A reported fee of around the £30m mark and low wages should mean this would likely be an easy deal to complete should the reds wish to pull the trigger. However, the suggestions are that the likes of Caicedo, De Jong and others are higher on the priority list before Nice are directly approached. With a recent, swift Gakpo gazumping and Twitter abuzz, this is definitely one to keep an eye on though.
