Liverpool interested in signing Roma midfielder Manu Kone, says Ornstein
Liverpool are interested in signing AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone, according to transfer expert David Ornstein. The 25-year-old France international, valued at around £43m, could be a target for the January transfer window as the Merseyside club looks to bolster their midfield engine room.
- Player: Manu Kone
- Club: AS Roma
- Position: Defensive midfielder / box-to-box
- Age: 25
- Valuation: Around £43m (Transfermarkt)
- Contract: Until 2029
- Reported interest: Liverpool, plus Chelsea and Manchester United previously
What was said
“Manu Kone, from the aforementioned Roma. He came very close to joining Chelsea before they pivoted to Lamine Camara. Let’s see what position Roma are in at the time in terms of European football and financial compliance. We saw him starting a lot for France at the World Cup, and [he] was looked at very heavily by Manchester United, Chelsea. I think Liverpool like him as well as one of their potential future options.”
Ornstein's comments suggest that Liverpool are monitoring Kone as a potential option for the future, but no formal bid has been made. The journalist also highlighted Roma's potential need to sell due to financial compliance, which could open the door for a January move.
Deal details
Kone is valued at around £43m by Transfermarkt and has a contract with Roma until 2029. The Italian club are not in a rush to sell, according to the source. Chelsea came close to signing Kone in the summer before shifting focus to Lamine Camara, while Manchester United were also keen before buying Carlos Baleba.
Why Liverpool need a midfielder
Following Curtis Jones' move to Inter Milan, Liverpool's midfield options are Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Trey Nyoni. Endo has found himself on the periphery in recent years, and Nyoni is still very young and needs time to develop. Kone, at 25, is at the prime stage of his career and possesses the physical attributes to flourish in the Premier League.
Kone's style and suitability
Kone is a defensive midfielder by trait but is also efficient in a box-to-box role. He is dynamic, strong, can play threading passes between the lines, and is efficient in defensive contributions. His skill set would add depth and quality to Liverpool's midfield, especially after Jones' departure. The Reds could do with signing a new midfielder to compete with Gravenberch and Mac Allister for starting spots.
Talking points
- Would Kone immediately displace Gravenberch or Mac Allister, or would he be a squad player at Anfield?
- At £43m, is Kone worth the fee given Liverpool's financial constraints and other positional needs?
- Could Roma's potential financial issues force them to sell in January, lowering the asking price?
- Is Kone the right profile to replace Curtis Jones, or should Liverpool target a more attacking midfielder?
What happens next
Liverpool have not made a formal approach yet, but Ornstein's comments suggest they are monitoring Kone's situation. The January transfer window will be a key period, with Roma's financial position likely to be a deciding factor. If Liverpool make a concrete move, they will face competition from other clubs, but Kone's contract until 2029 gives Roma leverage. The Merseyside club's next move will be crucial in determining whether this interest turns into a bid.
Frequently asked questions
Is Liverpool signing Manu Kone?
Liverpool are interested in signing Manu Kone, according to David Ornstein, but no formal bid has been made yet.
How much would Manu Kone cost?
Kone is valued at around £43m by Transfermarkt and has a contract with Roma until 2029.
What is Manu Kone's playing style?
Kone is a defensive midfielder by trait but is also efficient in a box-to-box role; he is dynamic, strong, and can play threading passes between the lines.
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