The outstanding first season of Marcus Thuram at Inter Milan has created some unwelcome transfer attention on the Frenchman.
Today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, highlight the “paradox” for the Nerazzurri.
When Inter signed Thuram last summer, there was a feeling that it was a major coup for them.
There had been many clubs interested in the Frenchman’s signature.
The likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Inter’s city rivals AC Milan in particular had targeted Thuram.
And the fact that Thuram was leaving Borussia Monchengladbach on a free transfer meant that the decision belonged entirely to the player.
So Inter convinced the Frenchman that they were the right destination for him.
And so it has proved.
The expectation at the start of the season was that it would perhaps take Thuram a few months to really find his feet.
The 26-year-old was adjusting to a new team and a new league.
But instead, Thuram has fit into Inter’s 3-5-2 formation perfectly. And the Frenchman has found the best form of his career in Serie A.
Obviously, this is a positive for Inter.
Thuram has played a key role in the Nerazzurri clinching this season’s Serie A title.
However, there is a bit of a “paradox” in the view of the Gazzetta.
Had Thuram had a debut season of ups and downs, then there would not likely be much in the way of transfer attention around the 26-year-old.
But Thuram’s form means that he already has some pretty big suitors.
PSG reportedly are already thinking about a big money move for Thuram twelve months after missing out on signing the striker on a free transfer.
And then there are the Premier League’s heavy-hitters.
Thuram has an €85 million release clause in his contract.
Inter, however, would not want to see the France international leave. Particularly, Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi is determined not to lose any key players from the starting eleven.
But given the release clause, Inter could not stop Thuram from leaving if he were to decide on a change.
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