Liverpool target Khephren Thuram could end up benefitting from Alexis Mac Allister’s shirt number choice. The Reds’ first summer signing has taken the No 10 jersey at Anfield to leave the No 8 available for any further arrivals....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Liverpool confirmed the arrival of Mac Allister on Thursday for an initial £35million. The Merseysiders will pay up to a further £20m in performance-related add-ons.
But the Argentina World Cup winner is unlikely to be the only midfielder Jurgen Klopp signs this summer. James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita will all leave upon the expiry of their contracts at the end of this month.
Liverpool will therefore aim to replace each player with a new signing. Thuram could end up being the next player through the doors at Kirkby with Fabrizio Romano confirming the club have plans to speak to his agent once again.
The Nice star, son of France legend Lilian, has caught the eye of the Liverpool recruitment staff. He currently wears the No 19 at Nice but that jersey is occupied by Harvey Elliott at Liverpool.
Keita’s departure has vacated the No 8, previously worn by legendary former captain Steven Gerrard. Mac Allister has revealed he had the chance of taking the No 8 upon signing for the club.
However, he instead opted to pick the No 10. Asked if there was a reason behind his decision, he told Liverpool’s media team: “No, not really. I know how important the No 10 is in football. I had the possibility to take the No 8 as well, which is a big number for this club because of [Steven] Gerrard, of course.
The 23/24 home shirt for Liverpool pays homage to the past of the club, as well as collaborator Nike, with a strong 1970s influence. The iconic red, capped with bold white cuffs and collar really does invoke that classic Liverpool FC style while adding a cool retro touch
“But I decided for No 10 because I used it a lot of times in Argentina, in Brighton, U23s national team as well. It’s a number that I really like and that’s why I chose it.”
Thuram could benefit by having the chance of taking a historic number at Liverpool. He has briefly worn the No 8 earlier in his career at Nice and also in the B team and under-19 side of former club Monaco.
Milner’s exit from Liverpool has vacated the No 7, while Oxlade-Chamberlain’s No 15 is also now set to be available. Meanwhile, Roberto Firmino has given up the No 9 jersey following his exit but that would unlikely be given to a midfielder of Thuram’s type.
