Newcastle most keen to sign ‘fantastic’ £52m midfielder this summer – journalist

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Newcastle United will have to move quickly if they want to win the race to sign Khephren Thuram according to transfer insider Rudy Galetti.

It has been thought for a while that Newcastle were at the front of the queue for France international Khephren Thuram‘s signature but interest in the 22-year-old but interest from other clubs is growing ahead of the transfer window opening.

Newcastle’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson is a huge admirer of Thuram and is very keen to ensure the Magpies bring in the £52million-rated defensive midfielder according to The Athletic.

Newcastle are currently ahead of PSG and Chelsea in the race for Thuram

Now transfer journalist, Rudy Galetti has spoken to GiveMeSport about Newcastle’s pursuit of Thuram, suggesting they should hurry up and make their move, saying: “Khéphren Thuram is a midfielder who has enjoyed very good performances with Nice this season and is attracting the attention of many clubs, including Chelsea, PSG, and at the moment above all Newcastle.

“To beat the fierce competition the Magpies want to speed things up, especially relating to the high possibility of qualification for the next Champions League where they want to arrive with a very competitive squad.”

Newcastle need two wins from their remaining three games to ensure Champions League football next season, and should they do so it is widely accepted that it would open up another level of spending at the club that they couldn’t justify if they only qualified for the Europa League.

Therefore, if the Magpies end their 20-year exile from the Champions League, it will make the move for Thuram much easier, so it’s easy to see why Newcastle are biding their time. Hopefully, the club’s recruitment team pounce as soon as it is confirmed which competition we’ll be in next season.

A ‘fantastic’ talent, Thuram in amongst Europe’s best midfielders

Nice coach, Didier Digard called Thuram ‘fantastic’ and despite him playing predominantly as a defensive midfielder, he has chipped in with eight assists and two goals in his 48 appearances in all competitions this season. Four of those assists came in the Europa Conference League. He could now have the opportunity to step up and show what he can do in the Champions League.

FBref ranks him in the top 10% of players in his position for successful carries and take-ons each match across the big five leagues in Europe showing why he’s earned so much praise and is thought of one of the brightest prospects in European football.

If Newcastle can snap Thuram up for £52million and tie him down to a long term deal we could have one of the best players in the world in a few years.