Marcus Thuram will leave Borussia Monchengladbach as a free agent at the end of the season after the Bundesliga club finally lost hope of keeping the French offensive.
The 25-year-old is enjoying his most prolific scoring campaign and has been linked with the likes of Inter, Chelsea and Newcastle United.
In 28 games, he scored 16 goals and provided five assists, already breaking his record of 14 goals in 2019/20.
Thuram, who can play as a striker or left winger, is the son of former France defender Lilian Thuram.
Gladbach sporting director Roland Virkus said he was sorry to report that the club was parting ways with former Guingamp after four years together.
Algerian defender Rami Bensebaini will also leave on a free transfer and he will reportedly join Borussia Dortmund.
Virkus said: “We had an open discussion with both players and knew their current position. It’s a pity that they are not renewing their current contracts that are expiring in the summer and we also understand that our fans are disappointed that both are not staying.
“In recent years, part of our approach has always been to select talented players, develop them further and at some point in time also let them go, because we cannot keep them forever.
“In an ideal world, we would receive attractive transfer fees. It is obviously not good that this is not the case now.”
Big @MarcusThuram #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/FLCAC2mxyj
— French Team (@FrenchTeam) April 2, 2023
In an interview with Gladbach’s official website, Virkus called Thuram and Bensebini “players who can make a difference”.
“Both have helped us on the sporting side in the last few years and continue to do so now,” he added, “so despite all our justified disappointment, they still deserve a stylish farewell.”
The news of the twins’ departure follows Wednesday’s announcement that captain Lars Stindl will also be leaving Gladbach after an eight-year stint with the team.
Virkus said: “We also had an open and honest discussion with Lars. He explained his personal decision in terms of the responsibility he has towards his family.
“At the end of the day, it also speaks to Lars Stindl as a person. He helped shape the club for over eight years, was the face of Borussia Dortmund, a dangerous player, hardworking for the team and a brilliant captain. However, now he is 34 years old and your priorities are changing, he is coming home and you have to respect that.”