According to Neil Jones’ exclusive column for CaughtOffside, Liverpool is most likely to make a move for Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram during this summer’s transfer window.

Thuram has performed well in Ligue 1 and fits the type of player Jurgen Klopp has usually preferred to sign for the Reds. Jones believes Thuram will be a top priority this summer over some of the other names who have been linked.

Liverpool had a challenging season in 2022–23, and it is evident that the midfield is a weak spot. Jones has highlighted the need for additional midfield reinforcements despite the club having already signed Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton.

Though he acknowledged that Gabri Veiga, a young player for Celta Vigo, likely has some level of interest that could be revisited later, the journalist believes that Liverpool need a physical player in the mold of Thuram more than anyone else.

Midfield remains a priority for Liverpool in this summer’s transfer market, Jones said, even though the acquisition of Alexis MacAllister may be finalized.

“Mac Allister is a significant acquisition to expand Jurgen Klopp’s options, but the club had always ideally desired two or even three new additions in that position, it has never been a secret.

Naturally, Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone have been mentioned. According to my understanding, Thuram is the most likely candidate out of those; based on his description, physique, age, the club he plays for, and the amount of money involved, I believe he is a perfect fit.

It is unclear how willing Nice will be to let him go, and I believe that given the number of midfielders who appear to be likely to move soon in this market, Nice may simply be watching to see how the dominoes fall and what kind of price they can fetch for him.

“However, I believe Liverpool and Thuram have identified him as someone they want, even though there hasn’t been much movement in the last week and a price hasn’t yet been set. ”.

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Most significant FSG summer deal becomes clear as Liverpool has $151m Man City gap

The figures show FSG are second-to-bottom in a Premier League table and that may be cause for concern ahead of Liverpool’s summer rebuild.

It appears to be a critical summer for the reputation of Liverpool owner Fenway Sports Group.
It’s hard to assess of course, but you get the feeling that if FSG were to sell the club now, their tenure would be widely viewed positively.

Yes, he made some serious mistakes, including his starring role in the ill-fated Super League draft, but that was overshadowed by the on-pitch success Liverpool have enjoyed since FSG acquired Jurgen Klopp in 2015.

The German handed the club their first Premier League title after a 30-year wait, propelled the Reds to European champions for the sixth time and also lifted four other major trophies. Bringing him to Anfield is John Henry’s crowning achievement.

In addition, the regime has invested heavily in improving the club’s infrastructure, increasing the stadium’s capacity to over 15,000 by expanding the main stand and Anfield Road and building a brand new training ground.

However, frustration is now growing in some quarters and there is a feeling that FSG’s underinvestment (Liverpool are mid-table in terms of net spend during the Klopp years) risks revealing the potential of a legendary core. and one of the best managers the club has ever had.

The club are knocked out of the Champions League for the first time since 2016 and it could have been avoided.

If Liverpool fail to return to their peak and win more of their greatest trophies in the remaining years, the overriding question remains what could have been – although there is plenty of hope for dramatic improvement next season.

The challenge this summer is to prove that the Reds will be back in the hunt after a difficult period. The hope is that Liverpool can create a transformative transfer window similar to 2018 to propel themselves to the top.

However, it’s worth remembering that the club’s total spending this year of $292m (£228m/€267m) was largely due to the sale of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona, ​​who was part of a $202 million (£158 million/€185 million) inflow in January.

Even the highest spend in the club’s history has remained within FSG’s self-sufficient model. And figures recently released by The Athletic show just how limited those principles can be.

It turns out that Liverpool are 19th on less than $47m (£37m/€43m) in the Premier League over the past five years. Manchester City, who have won four of the last five titles, are up $151 million with their very different model.

Many would say this is one of the main reasons why Liverpool are in their current position, 22 points behind the treble winners of the final table.

Looking ahead, however, the real concern is that this approach appears to be at odds with the team’s current transfer needs, especially as revenue will have diminished with an early Champions League exit and qualification. later for the Europa League.

Liverpool ideally need an injection of cash from outside, which they haven’t had in recent years given the need for two more midfielders and a defender following the signing of Alexis Mac Allister.

The club may still be able to meet those demands without help from the FSG, but will those players be of the right caliber to restore Liverpool’s title credentials? This is the big question that remains to be answered.

The Daily Mail’s Alex Miller recently reported that Henry and co. they are expected to close a deal with an investor in the summer, and the above numbers expose the need for this move to help close the gap.

It could be the biggest deal to close in the coming months as other clubs close to Liverpool continue to spend money with no sign of slowing down.