Liverpool have been dealt with a huge blow after OGC Nice are reportedly wanting to keep the Reds’ target, Khephren Thuram for another season.
The 22-year-old featured in 35 Ligue 1 matches for Nice last campaign, scoring two goals and providing six assists from a central-midfield position. He has been heavily linked with Liverpool as Klopp is looking to rebuild his squad for next season.
However, now as per Daily Mail, Nice wants to keep Thuram at the club for another season. This decision could potentially have massive ramifications for Liverpool’s transfer window.
It is understood that Thuram is not the Merseyside club’s sole midfield target. Also, the Reds reportedly are tabling a £47m bid for Real Madrid youngster Aurelien Tchouameni. Meanwhile, Los Blancos are expected to only let the Frenchman leave for closer to £68m.
Thuram to stay at Nice despite being close to Liverpool?
Liverpool have been after the French midfielder for quite a while now and he was also reportedly very close to joining Merseyside.
However, after this news, the Reds might need a change of plans regarding their rebuild. The Reds have other targets in Barella, Veiga, and Lavia being the prominent ones.
The news outlets have also reported that the Reds have prepared a bid of £68m for Barella. The Italian is one of the best and is regarded to be as good as Reds’ legend, Steven Gerrard.
Another player that Klopp is interested to sign is the 21-year-old Veiga. The Spaniard is one of the hot prospects in Europe right now. The Celta Vigo player is being chased by treble winners, Man City as well.
However, another youngster in the list is Romeo Lavia who has been relegated to the Championship with Southampton.
The 19-year-old caught the eye of the Saints during his maiden season as a regular starter in the PL. Although, his encouraging displays were unable to prevent the South Coast club from being relegated to the Championship.
Thuram is certainly the more experienced midfielder when compared to Lavia. The Frenchman has featured 138 times for Nice since joining from Monaco on a free transfer in the summer of 2019.
It is now to be seen what this news would do to the recruitment process of Liverpool this summer.
I’m a football enthusiast and an avid writer and someone who lives by the Bill Shankly quote, on a day to day basis.
