Why Sunderland should rethink stance on signing Khephren Thuram‑Ulien after new update
Sunderland should be pursuing a move for Khephren Thuram-Ulien despite links with the midfielder being shut down.
Calciomercato in Italy reported that Sunderland had enquired about Thuram-Ulien, but Sky Sports' Keith Downie has since said that the Juventus midfielder is not on the club's radar this summer.
Juventus are exploring the possibility of selling the 25-year-old, despite his importance in the middle of the park this season.
Sunderland's qualification for the Europa League means they are expected to have another busy summer to strengthen their squad.
Granit Xhaka was the heartbeat of the team in midfield this season, but the club can not continue to rely on the 33-year-old.
The club captain was linked with a move to Juventus in January, and has had admirers from Besiktas in Turkey this summer.
How does Khephren Thuram-Ulien compare to Granit Xhaka?
Xhaka's leadership skills would be tough to replace at Sunderland if he was to depart.
Signing Thuram-Ulien though would strengthen Sunderland's midfield, and he could be a long-term replacement for Xhaka.
In the 2025-26 campaign, Thuram-Ulien made more successful tackles, won possession more times in the final third and blocked more shots than Xhaka per 90 minutes.
Thuram-Ulien was a bigger threat going forward, averaging 1.32 shots per game than Xhaka's 0.47 and had a higher shot accuracy of 42 per cent to 33 per cent.
Regis Le Bris needs to be preparing for Xhaka's departure even if it does not happen this summer.
Sources told Football Insider that Sunderland would smash their club revenue following their impressive first season back in the Premier League, and will have a significant budget to add to their squad this summer.
Sunderland pre-season confirmed as Regis Le Bris eyes two stars
Sunderland have no plans to allow Xhaka or any other key players to leave the Stadium of Light this summer.
Celtic midfielder Arne Engels has been linked with a move to the Black Cats alongside Liverpool forward Harvey Elliott.
Squad depth will be key to compete in both the Premier League and in Europe, as Le Bris could be faced with more challenges than his maiden campaign managing in the top flight.
A pre-season tour of America has been planned to prepare Sunderland for the new season, with matches against Liverpool, Leeds and Wrexham penciled in.