Sunderland interest in Khéphren Thuram played down amid £35.1million Juventus valuation | OneFootball

Sunderland’s links to Juventus midfielder Khéphren Thuram have been played down, after Calciomercato reported that Sunderland and Nottingham Forest had asked for information on the France international.

Sky Sports indicates Sunderland do not have Thuram on their radar this summer, central midfield is not a priority, there has been no contact with Juventus and the player has three years left on his contract.

The Italian report valued him at €35million to €40million, roughly £30.7million to £35.1million, and said a sale at that level could deliver €23million to €28million in capital gains, around £20.2million to £24.6million, as the club manage finances.

That stance on midfield needs is slightly surprising given Granit Xhaka’s influence and the heavier schedule that comes with European football under Régis Le Bris.

Even so, Thuram always looked an ambitious link at £30million-plus, given his long contract and significant interest elsewhere. The broader midfield question is likely to persist as Sunderland prepare for another major campaign.

The same report added that Juventus are seeking around €100million in capital gains by 30 June 2027. Thuram is considered one of their high-value assets, with manager Luciano Spalletti said to prefer keeping him, while Teun Koopmeiners is seen as the likelier sacrifice.

Source: Sunderland Echo