Khéphren Thuram ‘asked about’ claim cooled amid £35.1m Juventus valuation | OneFootball

Sunderland’s reported move for Juventus midfielder Khéphren Thuram has been played down after initial links surfaced.

According to Calciomercato, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest requested information on the France international, with Juventus open to offers and valuing him at €35 million to €40 million, roughly £30.7 million to £35.1 million.

However, Sky Sports reported Sunderland are not pursuing Thuram, that central midfield is not a priority this summer, and there has been no contact with Juventus. It was also noted he has three years left on his contract.

The stance appears surprising on the surface given Granit Xhaka’s importance and the heavier schedule that comes with European football under Régis Le Bris. Extra depth alongside Xhaka would seem logical across domestic and continental fixtures.

Even so, Thuram was always an ambitious link at £30 million plus, with a long deal and interest elsewhere limiting feasibility.

The report added Juventus are seeking around €100 million in capital gains by 30 June 2027, and view Thuram as a high value asset, though manager Luciano Spalletti would prefer to keep him. Juventus would rather sacrifice Teun Koopmeiners, though he is not attracting the same level of interest.

For now, Sunderland’s position appears set, no contact and no active pursuit, though the question of midfield depth may persist as the window unfolds.

Source: Sunderland Echo