Former Barcelona defender wants to see his son join the club: “Every player’s dream”

Speaking in an interview with RAC1, former Barcelona defender Lilian Thuram has opened the door for his son and Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram to join the club in the future.

Lilian Thuram spent two years at Barça between 2006 and 2008, and during that spell, Marcus Thuram was part of the Catalans’ youth academy.

The 25-year-old forward burst onto the scenes at Sochaux and had a fruitful stint at Guingamp before joining Gladbach where he has become a key member of the team.

In 119 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit, Thuram has scored 41 goals and set up 26 more. He has been in fine form this term, bagging 13 goals and four assists in 17 matches in all competitions, and was also part of the France squad that finished second in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Thuram’s contract with Borussia Monchengladbach expires at the end of the season. It has led to him being linked with a free transfer exit in the summer, with Barcelona among the clubs said to be interested in his services.

Amidst this, Thuram’s father and former Barcelona defender, Lilian, was asked whether he would like to see the 25-year-old follow in his footsteps and play for the Catalans.

In response, the 1998 FIFA World Cup winner said: “I want the best for my children. Playing for Barça is every player’s dream.”

Following Memphis Depay’s departure, Barcelona do not have a natural backup for Robert Lewandowski in the No. 9 role and Thuram’s ability to play anywhere across the frontline would make him a fine addition at Camp Nou.

While the Catalans have shown an interest in acquiring Thuram’s services on a free transfer in the summer, they are set to face competition from several other clubs.

Chelsea, for one, have been mentioned as a suitor for the 25-year-old while Inter Milan are also understood to be keen.