Liverpool transfer approach “seems ruthless” for €50M star they made contact to sign in 2023

Tutto Juve reported in December that Liverpool had asked for Khephren Thuram showing their interest in signing him during the January transfer window.

However, Thuram chose to remain at OGC Nice for another six months, delaying a potential move to Liverpool.

A fresh report from Tutto Sport indicates that Liverpool remain interested in Thuram, despite no deal materialising in January.

Tuttosport mention Liverpool in their discussion of Juventus’ desire to sign the French midfielder, pointing out that Juventus technical director Cristiano Giuntoli doesn't have unlimited resources to rebuild his squad, whereas Liverpool could have an edge with their financial muscle.

The 23-year-old Thuram is a key target for Juventus due to his age and ability, and he's on their list for the summer transfer window.

However, Juventus faces stiff competition from Liverpool and Barcelona, with the report saying their transfer approach "seems ruthless".

Currently, Nice sit fifth in Ligue 1, five points behind Lille in fourth place.

If they fail to secure a top-three spot, which grants Champions League qualification, or the fourth-place position that leads to qualifiers, Nice could risk losing Thuram as he might seek a move to a bigger club with better prospects.

Thuram's contract with Nice runs until 2025, giving the club some leverage.

However, Liverpool's stronger financial position compared to Juventus and Barcelona might put them in a better position to secure Thuram's transfer if Nice are forced to sell due to their possible absence from the Champions League next season.

A move would have cost between €40million and €50 million last summer with it unknown how much exactly it would cost this year.

"The main issue will be the price," wrote Tutto Juve's Massimo Pavan in December. "If it remains close to €40million-€50 million, the Reds will remain favourites."

Will Liverpool finally make their move to sign Thuram?

It remains to be seen, I suppose, but it's not typical of Liverpool to return for previous transfer targets except in very unique situations like when they poached Luis Diaz from Spurs.

Thuram remains a brilliant midfielder and could still be a great player for Liverpool but he's no longer what they need in central midfield.

The main profile of interest is a top class defensive midfielder.

Despite his impressive start to life at Liverpool, Wataru Endo's form has tailed off recently which may be a symptom of his age or may not but the fact remains that the Japan international is 31.

Liverpool are keen to add a youthful player in that role which would explain recent links to Porto's Alan Varela.