In December, Sport Witness covered claims about Manchester United’s interest in AS Roma’s Manu Kone.
This came amidst the midfielder’s impressive Serie A campaign. In fact, he has been key for the Giallorossi since his arrival from Borussia Monchengladbach.
While talk around Kone and Manchester United has faded away, the Red Devils are looking at another midfielder from Serie A.
The player in question is Juventus’ Khephren Thuram, who is replicating Kone’s impact in Turin. While he remains one of the Bianconeri’s most important players, his future isn’t certain.
Juve rushing into contract talks
Calciomercato IT report that Luciano Spalletti sees Thuram as someone who is on the ‘unsellable’ list.
Despite that, Manchester United are proving to be a threat and monitoring him ahead of a possible summer move. This is making the Italian giants panic and they are now rushing into contract talks.
Negotiations over a renewal are expected to start soon. The 24-year-old’s current deal runs out in 2029 and he earns only €2m per season. Juve want to increase his wages to about €3m per season, extending the deal until 2030.
Whether the midfielder agrees to this isn’t known but those wages would be very much affordable for Manchester United. There is also interest from Inter Milan and all of this is causing a bit of panic at the Continassa.
Our take on Thuram to Manchester United
Khephren Thuram
The Red Devils have obvious midfield problems, with Casemiro leaving in the summer. Manuel Ugarte hasn’t fulfilled expectations and there is a clear need for multiple midfield signings.
Signing one of the best in Serie A would make a lot of sense. Thuram has thrived as a ball-carrier into the final third and operates best as a number eight. Manchester United need that dynamism and it will also take some pressure off Kobbie Mainoo’s shoulders.
Thuram could play at the World Cup this year. This would increase his value and potentially attract other suitors. That is why Michael Carrick’s side should lay down the foundations of a possible deal quickly.
Contract, value and agent details
Khephren Thuram has a contract with Juventus lasting until June 2029. He’s on the same deal as when he arrived from Nice in 2024, and will likely feel his status deserves more.
Transfermarkt value the player at €40m, and it’s near certain Juventus would ask Manchester United for more than that. The Frenchman is managed by Sport Cover agency, who also represented his brother Marcus Thuram.
The pair are sons of World Cup winner Lilian Thuram.