Sunderland Fans Dealt Crushing Khephren Thuram Transfer Blow

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in full swing in the USA, Canada and Mexico, back on Wearside, the summer transfer dealings at Sunderland has started.

Since the conclusion of the Premier League campaign, the majority of the Black Cats' business has been concerned with outgoings, as the club's hierarchy continues to shift those with no future at the new-look Sunderland.

Already this summer, double-promotion winner Dennis Cirkin has left Sunderland following an impressive five-year stay, and his fellow hero Anthony Patterson looks set to follow him out of the Stadium of Light exit doors.

In terms of incomings, no fresh face have been brought to Wearside yet, but one familiar figure in last season's RB Leipzig loanee Lutsharel Geertruida remains in discussions with Sunderland over a potential permanent return ahead of next season.

Given the growing profile of the Black Cats on the world footballing stage, courtesy of Regis Le Bris' newly-promoted side's remarkable seventh-placed finish, the Sunderland faithful can expect the club to be linked with a litany of marquee talents this summer.

Of which, this weeks saw Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram linked with a move to Sunderland, but one reporter has moved to shut down the exciting transfer rumours.

Earlier this week, several reports emerged from European sources that Sunderland were interested in Juve central-midfielder Thuram this summer, with both the Black Cats and their Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest said to be exploring deals for the French international.

Further reports indicated that Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli had seen a "huge bid" rejected by the Serie A side for the dominant midfielder, of which Thuram was not interested by amid his desire to stay at Juventus.

However, adding that if his parent club do decide to cash in on the £39m-rated talent, Thuram would seek a move to a Premier League club, which left Sunderland fans extremely excited by the potential ambitious transfer.

Unfortunately for the Black Cats faithful, Sky Sports News' North East football reporter Keith Downie poured cold water over the rumours, indicating that Thuram is "not on Sunderland’s radar this summer."

Downie added on X that "Central midfield is not a position SAFC are looking to add in this summer, and there has been no contact with the Italian giants for the player."

Given that the bruising yet technical midfielder has three years left to run on his Juventus deal, and is fresh off the back of an impressive second campaign for The Old Lady in which he notched ten combined goal contributions in 49 outings, his hefty price tag would likely have been the sticking point in any Sunderland transfer.

In response, Sunderland supporters shared their fears on social media regarding the report indicating that central midfield is not an area that the Stadium of Light hierarchy wish to recruit in this summer.

As a result of Europa League qualification, the Black Cats fans hope to see the club add at least one new addition into the engine room, and former Nice star Thuram would certainly have been an exciting addition.