As FC Barcelona continue to plan for the upcoming summer transfer window and the next season, one of the positions that the Catalans are looking to strengthen is that of the midfield pivot.
For this role, Deco is looking for a physically strong player, who can also help in the build-up. The Everton midfielder, Amadou Onana was one of the preferred options of the Portuguese official, but his high price makes a move for him complicated.
Another player that fits Deco’s requirements and whom Barcelona have been following very closely in recent months, according to SPORT, is the Nice midfielder, Khephren Thuram, who is having an exceptional season with the French club.
The performances from the son of a former Barcelona player, Lilian Thuram, have also attracted the interest of other big European sides, as Real Madrid were linked with the player some months ago, while several Premier League clubs and AC Milan are also reportedly interested in him. The player is highly likely to leave Nice this summer.
In addition to the virtues he has shown on the pitch, the French midfielder’s contract situation also makes him a highly attractive player for these interested clubs. His current contract ends in 2025, and Nice would be looking to sell him this summer so not to lose him for free next year.
He is currently valued at €35 million, but Nice might be forced to sell him for less if a contract renewal cannot be agreed. Furthermore, Barcelona have an added advantage over other interested clubs in the race for Thuram.
The Catalans have 20% rights over another Nice player, Jean Claire Todibo, who is also certain to change clubs this summer, and as he is valued at €60 million, Barcelona can receive €12 million from his potential transfer.
Thus, Barcelona can use this situation to their advantage to negotiate a deal with Nice, with whom they already have very good relations.