Transfer Talk: Khephren can continue Klopp's midfield makeover

With Liverpool's move for Alexis Mac Allister signed and sealed, Khephren Thuram could be the next midfielder through the door at Anfield.

The Reds are on a mission to upgrade their engine room this summer and the 22-year-old Nice starlet has emerged as a top target.

We look at what the highly-rated Frenchman would bring to Jurgen Klopp's outfit.

Proven track record

While Thuram is a relatively new player to be linked with the Premier League, he has been starring for the best part of four seasons in Ligue 1.

Signing from Monaco in 2018, the Italy-born ace has eight goals and 11 assists in 138 appearances for Le Gym.

This season, he managed two strikes and four assists in 35 league outings as the INEOS-owned outfit finished ninth in France's top flight.

Keeping it in the family

Thuram is already a name synonymous with French football, with father Lillian a World Cup winner and brother Marcus a regular in the current France side.

Now Khephren is the latest Thuram to make his mark after he was rewarded for an excellent campaign at Nice with his first senior call-up and appearance in March.

While unlucky to miss out on Didier Deschamps' most recent selection as established stars returned, the versatile midfielder looks to have a bright international career ahead of him.

Strings to his bow

Only four central midfielders created more chances last season than Thuram (36), while he is no stranger to having a crack at goal with 38 shots taken.

His ability to take players on from midfield has drawn comparisons to Paul Pogba, with 46 take-ons and 41 long passes completed.

But perhaps unlike the Juventus star, the 6ft 4in starlet thrives in defensive situations as much as he does going forward.

The one-cap international made 51 tackles in 2022-23 as well as making 22 headed clearances and 38 interceptions.

Liverpool's best midfields under Klopp are filled with players who can play multiple roles and it is easy to see why the German views Thuram as someone who could relight that fire on Merseyside.

Endorsed by Ibra

Reds defender Ibrahima Konate — a close friend of the Thuram brothers — believes Khephren has more than enough quality to shine in the North West.

Konate, 24, told RMC Sport: "Khephren is like my little brother.

"He's someone I saw growing up. I was with his big brother [Marcus Thuram] in the [international youth set-up] but Khephren, I saw him grow.

"I saw him perform and progress to a [high] level. It was incredible.

"Even when he came to the France team for his first call-up, I saw him at the training and I was really surprised by his size and his technical ease. I would be very happy for him to come to Liverpool."

One of a few

While Liverpool's interest in Thuram appears to be concrete at this stage, he is just one of a number of midfielders to be linked with the Reds.

Fellow Frenchman Manu Kone, who is currently starring alongside brother Marcus at Borussia Monchengladbach, is another reported target, as well as Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse.

But given Klopp is losing Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer, it is conceivable that two more midfielders could come in alongside Mac Allister.

At a reported £38million, Thuram could be the latest smart addition by the Reds.