In an effort to re-energize the midfield, Liverpool has finalized the signings of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, who are off to a good start for the upcoming season. Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott will also join the preseason in high spirits after winning the U-21 European Championship 2023.
Meanwhile, negotiations for the capture of French U-21 midfielder Khéphren Thuram, whose name has often been mentioned in the transfer market this summer, have stalled.
Fabrizio Romano gave a behind-the-scenes look at the reasons behind the decision to switch targets to Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia despite the player’s high evaluation of his abilities, saying that the player and the club had not replied in a satisfactory manner.
“For example, a player like Khephren Thuram has always been on the list at Liverpool but now the situation is more kind of cold because Liverpool are not happy with the reaction from the player’s side and the club’s side.”
“So, they do believe that that deal is very expensive on both sides and this is why they decided to go for [Dominik] Szoboszlai and [Alexis] Mac Allister as priorities.”
“Khephren Thuram has always been a player appreciated by Liverpool and remains a player appreciated by Liverpool. So, in case these terms can be changed in the next weeks, it could be different for Khephren Thuram.”
“Obviously the player wants the Liverpool move, but you know better than me, that in football there are salaries and these kinds of costs.”
“So, Liverpool want to do something smart. For example, [Romeo] Lavia will cost way less than Khephren Thuram also in terms of salaries and future costs for the club.”
“This is why it’s really crucial to understand the package. At the moment the deal is on total standby, they’re not advancing.”
TRB
The Nice midfielder, who can play at inside half or as a defensive midfielder, should be able to perform at Anfield, reminiscent of Georginio Wynaldum, and supporters are clamoring for him.
The Southampton midfielder is more the type who does not move much from the bottom of midfield, and both have different styles of play. Therefore, it is difficult to make a simple comparison, but for Liverpool, which likes to do business wisely, the young Belgian midfielder would be more profitable.
The probability that Nice will now lower the transfer fee and Thuram himself will lower his salary demands is unlikely. The Anfield transfer seems to have practically disappeared, but anything can happen in the transfer market.