"It made me happy to be linked"- Khephren Thuram speaks on why he stayed at OGC Nice despite Liverpool interest

OGC Nice’s Khephren Thuram is happy about his links with Liverpool

The build-up to the summer transfer window saw the Reds see themselves linked with a move for virtually every midfielder breathing on Planet Earth. Among them was 22-year-old French international Khephren Thuram, who was, at one point in time, among the priority signings for Liverpool.

However, as we reflect back on what transpired, it definitely did not end with Thuram playing for Jurgen Klopp. Among those who eventually saw themselves join the Reds and be a part of our midfield rebuild were Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.

Instead of moving to the Reds, Thuram decided to remain committed to the cause of OGC Nice and continues to shine in the middle of the park for the Ligue 1 side.

OGC Nice's Khephren Thuram is happy about his links with Liverpool. — Nice’s Khephren Thuram talks about his links with Liverpool.

In a press conference quoted by Get French Football News via liverpool.com, here is what Thuram had to say about his links with Liverpool earlier during the summer transfer window:

“I wanted to continue to progress at Nice, and progress as a player at this club. Honestly, it made me happy to be linked to all these clubs left, right and center. It shows I’m doing the right things but as I said, I knew I wanted to stay here.”

Progressing at Nice

Among the players that we got on board, Thuram is very similar to Gravenberch. The 21-year-old has been making waves in Europe ever since his youth days with Ajax and is probably of higher profile among the pair of central midfielders.

While Liverpool would have surely enjoyed having Thuram on board, it is commendable that the player remains committed to the club that has been instrumental in his growth and eventual links with bigger European clubs as well. His current deal with Nice lasts until 2025 (Transfermarkt), and who knows, we can never rule out a potential move to the Reds in the future.

As Liverpool’s midfield continues to evolve, with new faces contributing to the team’s narrative, Thuram’s name may no longer be in the mix. However, his story serves as a testament to the nuanced dynamics of player transfers and the importance of staying true to personal and professional convictions.