Marcus Thuram is set to leave Borussia Monchengladbach this summer on a free transfer. His contract, signed in 2019, is up and the 25-year-old forward now looks to have the pick of Europe’s best clubs to choose from. All of them will be vying for the signature of a player that is available for nothing, and valued at around €40m.
Thuram is already an established French international, having come off the bench for Olivier Giroud in the World Cup final. His remarkable finishing ability has seen him score 14 goals in 22 appearances this season, while his blend of pace and power makes him one of Europe’s best forwards.
Given the financial might and strength of the Premier League, English clubs certainly have the advantage. They should be able to offer higher wages, a lucrative signing on bonus and match any agent fees that Thuram wants. So which clubs could feasibly bring him to these shores?
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Manchester United
The club in need of a striker makes perfect sense. United currently have Wout Weghorst plugging a gap, but Marcus Thuram fits the profile of forward Erik ten Hag would prefer. Available on a free, placing him up front, with Marcus Rashford on the left and Jadon Sancho on the right is a front three that could win the league.
He might even join the Red Devils when they have already done that. They are well in this year’s title race and look a different beast under the Dutch boss. This would be a signing that makes sense all round - Thuram could shine at Old Trafford as first choice.
Arsenal
Future Premier League champions? Perhaps. Arsenal should be in the running to bring a player like Thuram to the club, given his flexibility across the front line. Gabriel Jesus is set to return from injury and resume his role as the starting striker, and while Eddie Nketiah has performed well in his absence, Thuram would be an upgrade.
He can play on either wing or up front, which would be useful, but the Gunners recently brought in Leandro Trossard so competition would be fierce. Mikel Arteta should consider the option but surely he’d rather be first choice at Manchester United.
Tottenham Hotspur
Harry Kane’s future is still uncertain, so perhaps Spurs will go in for Thuram. He could play alongside the Englishman if he stays or be his direct replacement should Kane go to Manchester United. Thuram has all the ability to lead the line for Spurs and would love to be first choice in the Premier League.
Thuram has proposals from England, Italy and Spain after Chelsea interest in January.
Working under Antonio Conte could be a tempting option for Thuram, but he will likely want to play for a Champions League club. If Tottenham can fight their way into the top four, then this move could be on.
Newcastle United
Newcastle splashed out £40m on Anthony Gordon and have Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak leading the line so another forward signing seems unlikely. However, with European football of some sort on the horizon next season, the squad will need to fatten up to compete on all fronts. With Wilson’s injury record, Thuram could just be the headline signing that the new owners want to make as they continue their charge up the league table.
Eddie Howe would certainly welcome a player of his ability. As we are finding out this season, playing the same XI week in week out eventually catches up with you. The Magpies could have a big window this summer and perhaps Thuram can headline it.
Chelsea
You’d think Todd Boehly has made enough signings to last a lifetime, but the American can’t get enough. Also, Chelsea are somehow still lacking a true number nine so perhaps Thuram would fancy life at Stamford Bridge. One more signing won’t hurt anyway.
