Liverpool’s midfield hunt turns to French star Thuram

Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes has begun exploratory talks to sign French midfielder Khephren Thuram, a source close to the club has confirmed. The Reds’ interest in the Juventus player comes as Anfield braces for potential departures in midfield, with contract talks stalled for Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones entering his final year. Hughes, who has overseen Liverpool’s most successful recent signings, is prioritising midfield reinforcements this summer. The club has assembled a shortlist of targets as it seeks to refresh the squad ahead of next season, with Anfield Watch reporting that multiple deals are being worked on behind closed doors. Liverpool typically move early in the transfer window to allow new signings time to integrate before the season starts. This approach appears to be underway, with Hughes and the recruitment team already engaged in preliminary discussions. The club expects to bring in at least two new midfielders, though that number could rise if both Mac Allister and Jones depart. Thuram, a French international, has been on Liverpool’s radar for years. The club first explored a move for him during the same summer they signed Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch. His potential availability now aligns with Liverpool’s need to replace outgoing midfielders. According to Ekrem Konur, Liverpool have opened formal talks with Juventus over Thuram’s transfer. However, they face competition from Manchester United and PSG, who are also in discussions with the Italian club. The involvement of PSG is particularly notable given the allure of the French league for domestic players.

Liverpool's midfield void drives chase for Juventus star Khephren Thuram

Michael Edwards, Liverpool’s former sporting director, built his reputation on quiet, effective deals. Hughes is following a similar blueprint, with Liverpool’s best recent signings—Fabinho and Victor Munoz—arriving with minimal pre-announcement fanfare. The club’s preference for secrecy suggests a deal could materialise suddenly. For Liverpool supporters, patience is required. The club’s history shows that major signings often materialise after prolonged behind-the-scenes work. The current transfer activity, though unseen, is a sign of progress as Hughes executes his recruitment strategy. The World Cup’s final stages have not deterred Liverpool from pursuing targets. While some clubs may pause due to the tournament, Liverpool’s approach remains unaffected, with Hughes actively working to strengthen the squad. The uncertainty surrounding Mac Allister and Jones has forced Liverpool to plan for multiple scenarios. If both leave, the club’s midfield recruitment will need to accelerate to avoid a squad imbalance ahead of the new campaign. Thuram’s profile fits Liverpool’s needs: a physically dominant, technically sound midfielder who can add steel to the engine room. His long-standing admiration among Liverpool’s hierarchy makes him a realistic option if Juventus are willing to negotiate.