Khephren Thuram has admitted that he was ‘happy’ to be linked with top clubs during the summer. Liverpool were among those reportedly interested in the OGC Nice midfielder, whose superb start to the campaign will once again leave him in high demand when the transfer window reopens in January.
Thuram, 22, is now into his fourth season as a regular in the Nice side he broke into as a teenager. The Frenchman has banked a wealth of experience in Ligue 1, which he has put to good use so far in 2023/24.
Nice are the only unbeaten team in France’s top flight and they spearhead the table ahead of Paris Saint-Germain 11 games into the season. Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich are the only two other undefeated sides in Europe’s ‘big five’ divisions.
“I think I’ve started the season well,” said Thuram, who has played an important role in midfield. “The team has of course had a very good start to the season. I have developed aspects of my game.”
The youngster’s form will only make him more desirable in the winter transfer market. Although Liverpool were unable to get a deal done during the summer, it seems likely that Thuram retains plenty of admirers at Anfield.
And he has offered hope to the Reds by stating that he was flattered to be linked with high-profile moves elsewhere, but simply felt that the time was not right to move on in the summer.
“Regarding what happened in the [summer] transfer window, I decided to stay,” he continued. “I wanted to continue to progress at Nice, and progress as a player at this club. Honestly, it made me happy to be linked to all these clubs left, right and centre. It shows I’m doing the right things but as I said, I knew I wanted to stay here.”
Liverpool ended up signing Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch to complete a four-man midfield overhaul for Jurgen Klopp. Each one of the quartet has had their part to play so far this season, with the Reds sitting third in the Premier League.
It remains to be seen whether Klopp feels as though there is still room for Thuram in his ranks. The 6ft 4in star could hardly be from better stock, with his father Lilian a World Cup winner and his brother Marcus a feared forward at Inter Milan.
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate laid his cards on the table during the summer, admitting that he would be happy to welcome Thuram to Anfield if the Reds were able to thrash out a deal with Nice.
