Another blow for Chelsea as Marcus Thuram ‘dreams of Barcelona’

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 25 Jan 2023 14:24 GMT
• 3 min read

Marcus Thuram dreams of playing for Barcelona, according to the attacker’s legendary father Lilian Thuram.

Thuram Jr has been one of the hottest properties on the January transfer market due to the fact his contract expires at the end of the season.

Chelsea have led a number of top clubs in the chase to sign Thuram this month, with the Borussia Monchengladbach attacker expected to move on for a small fee.

Premier League 2022/23 January transfers: All the Done Deals

It's been widely reported that Thuram would only cost roughly €15 million, with Gladbach setting a low price in the hope they won't lose him for free in the summer.

However, on Wednesday it was reported in a number of media outlets that Thuram has decided not to leave Gladbach this month and will instead run down his contract.

The World Cup forward will thus join a new club on a Bosman Transfer for free in the summer.

And judging by his father’s comments, that club could potentially be Barcelona.

What did Lilian Thuram say?

“Any player dreams of playing for Barca,” Thuram, told RAC1 when asked about his son’s chances of joining the Blaugrana at the end of the season.

A move certainly is feasible as Barcelona have relied heavily on the free transfer market in recent seasons, signing the likes of Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia, Memphis Depay, Hector Bellerin and Franck Kessie, to name just a handful.

Barcelona’s financial problems means they are likely to target free transfers again this summer. Thuram has enjoyed a fantastic season for Gladbach, scoring 13 goals in 17 games in all competitions.

Lilian Thuram himself played for Barcelona for two years at the end of his career from 2006 to 2008. He is remembered as one of the greatest defenders of all time in a glittering career for France, Monaco, Parma, Juventus and Barca.