Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is a long-term admirer of Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams – but those moves could now become complicated.
Liverpool could regret dealing Khephren Thuram and Nico Williams as moves for the in-demand duo are likely to be tighter than ever.
Spaniard Williams, 21, is regarded as one of La Liga’s brightest prospects, but his club is now demanding a new deal to stay with older brother Inaki, who is under contract until 2028. As with Williams, Nice midfielder Thuram was on Liverpool’s radar.
The 22-year-old has broken into France’s top flight and is now attracting the attention of Juventus. The Italian giants are keen to sign a replacement for Paul Pogba – who is apparently facing a lengthy ban from football after testing positive for a banned substance – and believe Thuram could be the perfect replacement. Thuram is the son of former French footballer Lilian Thuram, a former Juventus defender, and his brother Marcus plays for their domestic rivals Inter. A recent report from Calciomercato details how Thuram is Juve’s top transfer target next summer and will replace Pogba in the Bianconeri squad.
It means Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is likely to regret the decision not to make a move for the Frenchman this summer. Thuram’s transfer value is likely to rise due to Juve and others, and the deal is now likely to get complicated.
Meanwhile, Bilbao confirmed that Nico Williams is not going anywhere and expressed confidence in his long-term commitment to the future of the Basque Country. Club president Jon Uriarte has now spoken about the winger’s future.
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Spanish international Williams’ contract with Athletic Club expires next year (
andquot;We are calm,andquot; Uriarte also spoke to Diario AS about the future of the younger Williams among other stars. andquot;We want an attractive project for Nicole and other players like Unai Gomez, who renewed his contract this week. We believe that Nico will find the project attractive, and we believe that it is. His family is loyal to Athletic and this is the best of his career. As for any rumours, we have no idea.andquot;
Liverpool failed to make a number of transfer signings this summer, including Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, who both joined Chelsea, while Sofyan Amrabat, who was also on Klopp’s radar, moved to Manchester United.
