Julien Laurens has offered a lowdown on Liverpool transfer target duo Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone, with the 2023 summer transfer window now officially open.
The French football expert added that Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone are ‘very, very talented’ and they would be ‘affordable’ to a club like Liverpool, but they aren’t at the level of their new signing Alexis Mac Allister.
Jurgen Klopp is refreshing Liverpool’s midfield this summer, with Laurens adding that Kone is the defensive-minded between the two, whilst Thuram is ‘more technically gifted’ than his fellow countryman, as he told ESPN.
There’s no doubt that the Reds will add more legs to their midfield, it’s just a case of whether their names will be Kone and Thuram.
The duo are playing for Borussia Monchengladbach and Nice, respectively, so they shouldn’t be difficult to prize away. Tony Cascarino thinks Kone is Anfield bound.
Whether it’s both of them, or just the one, either would be top signings for Klopp, with European expert Laurens sharing his thoughts.
“They are both from Paris, so I love them both,” said Laurens. “It just depends, if you prefer tea or coffee. They are just different profiles.
“Kone a more defensive profile. He intercepts the ball and breaks down the opposition’s attack, that kind of stuff.
“I think Khephren is more gifted technically than Kone. I don’t think there is a doubt about that. He can play higher up the pitch. Maybe can create more and can score more certainly.
“It depends on what you want, but they are two very, very talented and hugely promising players. Not like Mac Allister, not at that level. They aren’t at that level yet. They haven’t played Champions League football yet. One has played for France, and once, that’s it.
“I think, for the future, they will be great and they are affordable too.”
Liverpool shopping in the right market re Thuram and Kone rumours
Yes, Liverpool fans would be delighted if the club could get both, but secure one of them, and then it’s a result.
Even if they don’t get any of the above duo, they still need to shop down this road because they are looking in the right market for new midfield players.
And whilst the recently-concluded season was one to forget for the club, if that midfield is sorted for next season, then not only will the team return to the Champions League, but they might just be the only ones who can challenge Treble winners Manchester City.
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