Man Utd and Liverpool target Thuram: Why Juventus star could be summer’s smartest signing

Robin Bairner

• 2 Apr 2026 12:02 BST
• 4 min read

Analysis

Manchester United and Liverpool have both made contact with Juventus over midfielder Khephren Thuram in what could potentially be one of the smartest deals of the summer.

Thuram made the move to Juventus last summer in a €20.6 million switch from Nice and has since become a regular in the Serie A giants’ midfield.

With the Turin side open to selling the 25-year-old after just one season in Italy, Gazzetta dello Sport reports that both Man Utd and Liverpool are actively exploring a deal.

Current ETV

Khéphren Thuram

M (C)

Juventus

Khéphren Thuram

M (C)

Juventus

€42.2M

ETV Range

€38M - €46.4M

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Thuram underappreciated at Juventus

Thuram has established himself as one of Luciano Spalletti’s “most popular” players with Juve, and while he has struggled to impress fans, his underlying figures are strong, explaining why he is such a respected figure by his coach as well as the two Premier League giants.

Data analytics firm SciSports indicates that statistically, Thuram has been among the best midfielders in Serie A this season. In particular, his numbers going forward have caught the eye, with his dribbling and passing singled out as strong attributes.

While Thuram is a technically strong player, he is also impressive physically. He stands at 1.92m and possesses above-average speed and stamina compared to his Serie A rivals, SciSports reports.

Good value deal

The financial aspect of the deal, too, makes sense for Man Utd and Liverpool.

Thuram is the lowest-earning player among Juventus’ starters, with a salary of €2 million per year. Casemiro, who will leave Man Utd as a free agent in the summer, currently earns a little over €20m over the same timeframe, putting him in the top 10 earners in European football this season.

On top of this, Juventus’ demands in terms of a transfer fee are very reasonable. The Turin side values the player around the €40m mark. Thuram, meanwhile, has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) that sits at €42.2m.

Thuram told to make Man Utd move

Of the two Premier League teams, Man Utd are Thuram’s best option, SciSports reports via its Career Advice tool. This uses AI to study metrics including potential development, game time, playing style and formation to calculate a Club Fit score. The higher the mark, the better the move is likely to be.

Man Utd score 72 in this regard, earning five stars in terms of playing time. While their style and formation is not currently suitable for Thuram, this could well change over the summer as they will have a new permanent manager.

By contrast, Liverpool earn 67. The Anfield club scores worse in terms of style and formation, and while they do offer better development opportunities, this is offset by strong competition in the middle of the park that would limit Thuram’s pitch time.

In fact, Thuram’s best option is Newcastle, who score 81. The Magpies would be an even stronger option for him if Bruno Guimaraes leaves, with Man Utd studying the Brazil star as a potential marquee arrival for their midfield.

In summary: Khephren Thuram to Man Utd or Liverpool?

Thuram’s future at Juventus is up in the air, despite a strong performance in Serie A this season. Man Utd and Liverpool have both been in touch with the Serie A club to sound him out over a potential move. Nothing has yet been decided.

Should the France international elect to leave Turin, Man Utd are seen as the better option by SciSports.