Newcastle transfers: PIF to back Eddie Howe as Marcus Thuram rumour reemerges

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The story of the Longstaff brothers was briefly a welcome respite to the otherwise bleak Steve Bruce-Mike Ashley era at Newcastle United.

Matty’s winner against Manchester United on his Premier League debut back in 2019 with brother Sean in the team was a hugely emotional moment and offered hope of a long partnership in Newcastle‘s central midfield.

That, of course, has not worked out with Matty since falling into obscurity, albeit Sean has enjoyed a renaissance under Eddie Howe.

Now, we could be getting set for another dose of brotherly love.

Newcastle want to sign the Thuram brothers

That’s because TEAMtalk suggest Howe is keen on moving for the Thuram brothers.

The sons of French World Cup winner Lillian, striker Marcus has frequently been linked with a move to St James’ Park and is expected to leave Borussia Monchengladbach at the end of his contract.

Now, his brother Khephren Thuram is thought to be a target. The 22-year-old is a central midfielder playing for Nice and is seen as a potential creative option for Newcastle.

Interestingly, the report claims PIF are willing to back Howe by allowing for six signings this summer.

The interest in Marcus, however, is thought to be more advanced compared to his brother.

Two exciting sounding signings

Marcus certainly impressed at the World Cup and has bagged 12 goals in the Bundesliga this season. On a free transfer for a team struggling for goals, the prospect of adding him to the frontline is an exciting one indeed.

While it’s difficult to draw too much of a complete picture of his brother given Marcus is much more experienced, Khephren ranks amongst the leading 91% of central midfielders playing across Europe’s big five leagues over the past year for progressive carries (3.31, via FBREF) and successful take-ons (1.51) on a per-game basis.

Clearly, football isn’t as easy as simply translating that across leagues and playing styles but those averages do indicate a certain dynamism. Given the lack of options in midfield right now, that would be most welcome, particularly with the added strain potential European qualification would put on the squad.