Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to wait on the fate of his Manchester United bid, but one of his other clubs could have a role to play in the transfer business of United’s rivals Liverpool
The possibility that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s OGC Nice might retain the services of midfield target Khephren Thuram has thrown Liverpool’s summer transfer plans into disarray.
Thuram, the World Cup-winning defender Lilian’s son, participated in his 100th game for the Ligue 1 team last year. With Liverpool continuing to reassemble itself after losing several senior midfielders, his form earned him his first senior cap for France and Premier League interest.
Nice had a challenging 2022–2023 season, coming in ninth and missing out on European qualification. Any claims that this might force them to part with one of their key players seem off base, though.
Thuram would like to stay with Ratcliffe’s club for another year, according to Nice-Matin (via The Mail). His contract with the Allianz Riviera expires in 2025, and Nice seems eager to give him some time under their next permanent manager given that reports from the continent indicate interim manager Didier Digard won’t hold the position long-term.
At the UNFP Awards, Thuram stated, “I want to advance, go out on the field, and have fun. I’m in Nice right now. Very well, in fact I still see myself in Nice because I really like the club. I’m doing great in Nice.
“I can hear noises, but I’m content to be in Nice. I want to develop along with this club. Digard brought a lot to this group during a trying time, so I’d like him to stay.”
Thuram is currently on international duty with France’s under-21 team and is not anticipated to make a decision about his future until he returns. After defeating Italy and Norway in their opening two group games, Les Bleuets are in a strong position to advance to the quarterfinals.
Alexis Mac Allister, an Argentine midfielder who joined from Brighton, is Liverpool’s first summer signing that has already been finalized. However, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and James Milner won’t be playing at Anfield in the upcoming campaign, and Arthur Melo’s loan from Juventus won’t turn into a permanent transfer.
Mac Allister’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, described him as an “all-rounder” who can play in a variety of midfield positions.
“I don’t think the football world needs me to say too much about Alexis’ qualities because they are already pretty well known,” Klopp said. “He has the right kind of game intelligence and is composed and calm.”
The Frenchman would be free to wear the number 8 shirt if Liverpool were to also sign Thuram as part of their midfield rebuild. After discussing his options with his father, Mac Allister revealed he decided to take the number 10 jersey, which was last worn by Sadio Mane while playing for Liverpool.
The World Cup winner stated, “I knew there were several numbers available, including 10 and 8. Because Gerrard wears the No.8 jersey so frequently, I was a little hesitant. Though I ultimately went for 10, 8 is a number I really like and has a long history at the club.”
