The rumor mill is spinning again, and this time Khephren Thuram is right in the middle of it. According to a report from Calcio Mercato, Sunderland, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest have all made inquiries about the Juventus and France midfielder. That’s three different types of ambition in one sentence, and it tells you something about how the market is shaping up this summer.
Let’s start with Sunderland. The Black Cats are coming off a season that nobody saw coming, at least not this fast. They’re heading into their first Europa League campaign, and they still haven’t made a single summer signing. That’s not necessarily a red flag, given that director of football Florent Ghisolfi has been pretty clear about wanting stability over chaos this window. But when a player like Thuram pops up on the radar, stability can wait a little while.
The fact that Granit Xhaka is apparently staying is a big deal for Sunderland. Chelsea came sniffing around, but the Swiss international looks like he’ll be anchoring that midfield again next season. That gives them a foundation, not just on the pitch but in the locker room. It also means they don’t have to panic-buy a midfielder. They can afford to be patient and pick their spots. Thuram might be one of those spots.
Newcastle and Nottingham Forest Are in the Mix Too
Newcastle’s interest makes sense on paper. They need depth in midfield, especially if they’re going to balance domestic duties with another push in Europe. Thuram is 25, has played in Serie A and Ligue 1, and has the kind of frame that holds up in the Premier League. But the competition is stiff. Manchester United and Liverpool are also reportedly keeping tabs on him, which means the price tag could climb fast.
Nottingham Forest is the wild card here. The report mentions they’re flush with cash after pocketing £115 million for Elliot Anderson. That kind of money gives them flexibility, and they’ve shown in recent windows that they’re not afraid to swing for the fences. Thuram would be a statement signing, the kind that says they’re not just trying to stay up anymore.
Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and even European champions Paris Saint-Germain are supposedly in the conversation too. So it’s not just a Premier League tug-of-war. This is a player with genuine options.
What’s Actually Happening at Juventus?
That part is still murky. Thuram’s future in Turin has been in doubt for a while now, but Juventus hasn’t exactly put him in the shop window either. The club is going through its own transition, and until they figure out who’s staying and who’s going, these rumors will keep floating around. No official bids have been made yet, at least none that have been confirmed. But inquiries are the first step, and that’s where we’re at right now.
For Sunderland, this is the kind of name that gets fans talking. For Newcastle and Forest, it’s a sign they’re aiming high. For everyone else watching from the outside, it’s another reminder that the summer window doesn’t take days off.
Leave a Comment