Liverpool target midfielder in January window after disappointing season

Liverpool have emerged as one of the Premier League clubs interested in signing Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram this month, according to reports. The 25-year-old Frenchman, whose older brother Marcus Thuram plays for Inter, is reportedly available for a fee of £35 million.

Context: Liverpool's midfield struggles in 2025/26 campaign

The Merseyside giants finished fifth in the Premier League last season, a considerable drop from their usual top-four standards. A major contributing factor was their midfield, which lacked creativity and defensive solidity at times. The signing of a box-to-box midfielder like Thuram would address a clear need.

Thuram has been at Juventus since 2024, having joined from Nice for around £20m. His time in Turin has been marked by inconsistent form and a hamstring injury that kept him out for two months last season. However, his ball-carrying ability and work rate remain highly regarded.

Liverpool's interest comes as manager Arne Slot looks to reshape his squad for the 2026/27 campaign, with qualification for the Champions League far from guaranteed. The Reds have already used their new sporting director, Richard Hughes, to target several midfielders, but a deal for Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton appears to be stalling at £70m.

How Thuram fits Liverpool's system

Slot typically deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation, with two holding midfielders and an advanced playmaker. Thuram, who has experience playing both as a deep-lying pivot and as a more advanced runner from midfield, offers versatility. His dribbling statistics are notable: he averages 2.1 successful take-ons per 90 minutes in Serie A, placing him in the top 15% of midfielders.

  • Thuram's passing accuracy is 87% this season, though his long-ball completion is lower at 62% – an area for improvement.
  • Defensively, he makes 2.5 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per 90, numbers that would rank well in Liverpool's current squad.
  • His stamina suits Slot's high-pressing system, which demands midfielders cover significant ground.

Financial and market context

The £35m fee is reasonable compared to other midfield options on the market. For reference, Manchester City's Savinho is being valued at £30m, while Adam Wharton could cost double that. Juventus, who need to balance their books, are reportedly open to selling Thuram to fund other targets.

Liverpool have already triggered the release clause of Victor Munoz from Real Betis earlier this window, a deal worth around £45m. Adding Thuram would bring their midfield spending to £80m, a significant outlay but one that could secure depth for multiple competitions.

Fantasy Premier League impact

Thuram is currently unowned in FPL, but his potential arrival at Liverpool would make him a budget midfield option. Priced at around £6.0m, he would offer value if he secures regular minutes. Liverpool's remaining fixtures include favourable home matches against relegation-threatened sides, which could boost his appeal for FPL managers seeking differentials.

What happens next

Liverpool face competition from several unnamed Premier League clubs for Thuram's signature. With the January window closing in two weeks, the club must move quickly to secure a deal. Juventus are expected to demand the full £35m fee, and Liverpool's willingness to meet that price will determine whether this move progresses. If signed, Thuram could make his debut in Liverpool's next league fixture away to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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