Khephren Thuram is a wanted man and for good reason. The talented youngster has a famous last name and is looking likely to live up to it - could that soon be at Liverpool?
With top target Alexis Mac Allister on the cusp of being secured as Liverpool's first signing of the summer, Thuram has reportedly been followed by the Reds ahead of a potential transfer from OGC Nice in Ligue 1.
New claims have emerged suggesting Thuram, as well as Borussia Monchengladbach star Manu Kone, have been approached by Anfield representatives for 'preliminary talks'.
Liverpool wouldn't have a free run at 22-year-old Thuram though, with Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United also said to hold an interest. But Jurgen Klopp may be hoping his powers of persuasion are at their best.
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Thuram's father, Lilian, was a World Cup winner with France in 1998 while being a brilliant defender who played for Monaco, Parma, Juventus and Barcelona. Thuram's older brother, Marcus, is a talented forward who also featured in the World Cup for les Bleus.
The youngest Thuram is developing into one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe after his displays for Nice earned him a call-up to Didier Deschamps's squad.
At 17, Thuram was handed his debut for Monaco in a Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid. After impressing in the UEFA Youth League for the French side, Chelsea were said to be among the sides fighting for his signature. In a surprise move, Thuram opted for Nice in 2019.
Yet being at Nice has arguably allowed Thuram time to progress without the pressure of being at a huge club. He featured 47 times for the Ligue 1 side last season and made his senior debut for France in March in a European Championship qualifier against the Netherlands.
There is plenty that makes Thuram stand out. With his six-foot-four frame, he is a considerable midfield presence who is excellent at progressing the ball forward and is extremely strong in one-on-one battles.
He is known as an all-rounder in the middle, but his stats show him to perform very well in the defensive side of the game. Blocks, tackles and interceptions are Thuram's strengths alongside being a good presser of the ball and using it effectively.
Didier Digard, Thuram’s former coach at Nice, is a huge fan, in particular emphasising the player's mindset and mentality. "Khephren's fantastic," Digard told RMC Sport earlier this year. "He is very hardworking, very attentive. On rest days he's at the training centre. He recovers quickly for back-to-back matches and completes high-intensity training."
Analysts at the CIES Football Observatory have valued Thuram at €60m (£51.7m), with Kone coming in at €30m (£25.8m). Reports in the French media claim Nice would be looking for around £35m for their midfielder, who has two years left to run on his current contract.
There is room for improvement in Thuram's game, of course there is given his tender years. But Klopp would likely see him as a project and feel confident in establishing him as a household name across the continent.
Thuram has averaged roughly 40 successful passes per game for Nice last season. However, at Liverpool, the 22-year-old would see more of the ball and would be able to grow more comfortable in this.
Next up for Thuram is a move to a club capable of winning trophies and challenging for major honours. Thuram would add a huge physical presence in the middle for Liverpool and the Reds lacked that so often last season. Klopp will know his midfield won't be getting bullied anymore with him in it.
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