Liverpool face competition from Manchester United and Newcastle for Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram as Dutch pundit defends Virgil van Dijk amid English media criticism
09:28, 03 Apr 2026
It’s a busy week for Arne Slot(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
The upcoming weeks will present a genuine examination for Liverpool both on and off the field. Arne Slot’s squad are under mounting pressure to fight back and clinch Champions League qualification, while fresh names are being touted.
Supporters are already aware that Mohamed Salah won’t be at Anfield next summer, while Ibrahima Konate has yet to make a call on his future. Should Konate depart, then at least one additional centre-back will be necessary, with a Serie A star being linked.
Slot and his squad will return to action this weekend in the FA Cup quarter-finals. They face a challenging tie against last season’s runners-up Manchester City, and Daily Star Sport rounds-up all the latest from Anfield.
Three-way Thuram battle
Khephren Thuram has starred for Juventus(Image: Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Liverpool could encounter competition from Premier League competitors Manchester United and Newcastle should they pursue Khephren Thuram this summer., reports the Mirror.
The Juventus midfielder has allegedly caught Premier League attention through his displays in Serie A. According to Italian media reports, all three English clubs could be preparing to launch ‘serious’ bids for the 25-year-old.
Thuram, who moved to Juve from Nice in a transfer valued at under £20million in 2024, has been absent for only three matches this campaign across domestic and European competition.
Virgil van Dijk row
Virgil van Dijk is at the centre of a row(Image: Ralf Ibing – firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
Dutch pundit Hans Kraay Jr has challenged supposed criticism of Virgil van Dijk in the English press.
Van Dijk skippered Liverpool to Premier League success last campaign but has seen his performances come under examination this term as the Reds’ title defence has crumbled.
“In England, the analysts, columnists, and the self-proclaimed know-it-alls have completely lost their minds,” Kraay Jr wrote for Voetbal International.
“After four league matches this season, Van Dijk was dubbed the very best central defender ever in the Premier League. Four games later, and two Arne Slot defeats further along, it was more or less over for Virgil. In short: Virgil van Dijk’s career was almost over.”
The pundit’s remarks followed Van Dijk’s goal against Norway during the Netherlands’ recent international fixtures.
The 34-year-old also captained the side against Ecuador on Tuesday but was substituted at half-time, with Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven replacing him.
