Khephren Thuram makes STUNNING opening game for Nice amid Liverpool’s midfield frustration

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 11 Aug 2023 21:42 BST
• 3 min read

Khephren Thuram showed Liverpool what they're missing with a stellar display against Lille.

On the opening day of the season, the former Liverpool target played a significant role in the first goal, scored by Gaetan Laborde. He also put the ball in the back of the net himself, although the goal was disallowed.

Thuram emerged as a Liverpool target earlier this year, as FootballTransfers revealed in January. Despite increasing links, the player did not make the move to Anfield, as the club decided to pursue other targets instead. Reportedly, the club withdrew from the deal to prioritize a more experienced player for the centre of the park.

READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Caicedo REJECTS Liverpool as Brighton push against Chelsea transfer

Liverpool's acquisition of Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig is believed to have been brought in as a replacement for the Frenchman. Thuram was expected to leave during this summer window, but the interested clubs shifted their focus to other targets.

The youngster earned a spot in the France national team earlier this year, and his growth trajectory appears steep, evident in his brilliant display against Lille on Friday night. Thuram is considered one of the premier central midfielders in Ligue 1 already and will still have interested suitors.

READ MORE: How Liverpool will line up in 2023-24

Liverpool walked away from deal

However, he faces the challenge of transitioning from the French League to the Premier League. Liverpool has already signed Alexis Mac Allister and Szoboszlai during this window. Still, they appear to be missing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, both of whom seem closer to transferring to Chelsea.

Despite the club's record bid for Caicedo, Chelsea is preparing their own offer, which might match or exceed Liverpool's £111 million bid. The prevailing sentiment is that Caicedo prefers a move to Chelsea.