Liverpool End £70m Transfer Chase as €50m Juventus Midfielder Emerges as Top Target
Liverpool have reportedly cooled their interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and are now focusing on Juventus star Khephren Thuram as they continue their search for midfield reinforcements this summer.
The Reds are expected to strengthen their options in central midfield, with the club keen to add competition and cover for Ryan Gravenberch in the holding role. While the Dutch international has excelled when deployed as a No. 6, his natural position is further forward, and Liverpool are eager to reduce the workload that comes with him starting week after week.
Potential departures could further increase the need for reinforcements. Curtis Jones has been linked with an exit, while Alexis Mac Allister has also attracted transfer speculation.
Liverpool were previously interested in Mateus Fernandes but refused to match the reported £85 million asking price, allowing Tottenham Hotspur to complete the deal instead.
Wharton had been viewed as one of Liverpool’s leading midfield targets after impressing with Crystal Palace, with earlier reports suggesting he could eventually replace Jones at Anfield. However, according to Football Insider, new manager Andoni Iraola now prefers alternative options and no longer considers the England midfielder a priority.
Liverpool’s interest in Wharton has reportedly faded in recent weeks, leaving Crystal Palace increasingly optimistic that the 22-year-old will remain at Selhurst Park.
Instead, Liverpool are exploring several alternatives, including Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller, Mainz midfielder Kaishu Sano, and Juventus star Khephren Thuram, who is now believed to be their preferred option.
Italian outlet Tuttosport reports that Liverpool have joined Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in expressing interest in the French midfielder. Juventus are said to be open to selling Thuram to strengthen their finances, despite previously viewing him as untouchable.
The Italian giants are reportedly seeking around €50 million (£43 million), although Liverpool and the other interested clubs are expected to test Juventus with lower offers.
Liverpool’s admiration for Thuram is nothing new. The club has tracked the 25-year-old for some time, with reports in March claiming they were considering a €45 million bid, while another report in June suggested they had already made enquiries over a possible transfer.
Elsewhere, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also provided an update on former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp’s next career move.
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