If Newcastle United decide to reignite their interest in one of their previous midfield targets this summer then they could get a bargain.
The Magpies made a big change to their midfield last summer, bringing in Sandro Tonali for a fee of £55million from AC Milan. It made him the club’s second most expensive signing ever, and he was viewed as a landmark recruit.
The attitude towards Tonali’s arrival has changed since then, with the 24-year-old barely playing due to being banned for betting. He will return in August, and the hope within the club is that he can have a major impact when he is available again.
Until then, most people will believe that bringing Tonali in was a mistake – especially when you consider the players who Newcastle United signed him ahead of. James Maddison and Dominik Szoboszlai were major targets, but Toon officials decided that Tonali was a better investment. Meanwhile, Khephren Thuram was also someone who the club considered before going all in on the Italian.
Newcastle could get second chance to sign Khephren Thuram
The French midfielder was heavily linked with Newcastle and Liverpool last summer, but remained in Ligue 1 with Nice.
But he could be on the move this summer, meaning the Magpies potentially have the chance to make up for lost time. That could also result in them getting a bargain too, as Thuram’s transfer value has severely dropped.
According to Nice Matin, Thuram is likely to leave Nice this summer, with his current contract due to expire in 2025.
That means that the French club need to cash in, and Nice Matin state that the 23-year-old could be available for a fee in the region of £13million and £17million.
In contrast, Thuram was valued at £52million last summer.
Newcastle move would likely depend on outgoings
For that kind of money, Newcastle United could do a lot worse than sign Khephren Thuram. He is an immensely talented midfielder, and someone who head of recruitment Steve Nickson really likes.
That is why he has been linked with the Magpies for a long time now, and this summer could be the best time to get him. In the past he has been too expensive, while he was viewed as a risk in January given the fact he might find it difficult to settle in a new league and a struggling team.
A deal would be less of a risk this summer, but it does not currently look like Newcastle need a player like Thuram. As it stands, Eddie Howe will have seven centre-midfielders to choose from next season, with the emergence of Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley giving the club even more strength in depth.
The only reason Newcastle might move for a midfielder is if Bruno Guimaraes leaves, or if the Magpies decide to cash in on Sean Longstaff who, like Thuram, only has a contract until next summer.
If the local lad does depart, Thuram would be be a staggeringly good replacement – especially at £13million.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
