Khephren Thuram’s Riviera rise, family knew Nice offered quicker playing time | OneFootball

Khephren Thuram’s path from Monaco’s academy to a first professional deal at Nice frames his return to the Principality on Wednesday at 21:00. According to Nice-Matin, his family knew Nice offered quicker minutes.

The family’s bond with Monaco runs deep. Lilian played from 1990 to 1996 after Arsène Wenger handed him a debut. Two decades later, Khephren arrived at 15, a midfielder.

Nurtured by Frédéric Barilaro’s staff and close to Benoît Badiashile and Maghnes Akliouche, he spent two years at the academy. In 2018, with Thierry Henry in charge and many players unavailable, youngsters were pushed forward.

He came on in Champions League defeats at Atlético Madrid and against Dortmund, both 2-0. Assistant Franck Passi noted rare power at 17 and felt development could take him to a very high level.

Happy at Monaco, he still chose Nice in 2019. Passi said staff expected the club to lean on that group, yet many youngsters were sold quickly.

Then technical director Gilles Grimandi called Nice’s move bold, citing exceptional potential. He noted Monaco’s strong case and an eye-catching Juventus proposal, while ties with Lilian and Patrick Vieira helped.

Signing as a free agent meant no talks with Monaco. Years on, Grimandi still sees it as a half-departure that kept Thuram close to home. Now 24, he is an international at Juventus.

Source: Nice-Matin