Transfer expert David Ornstein believes Liverpool are interested in signing AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone.
Since moving to the Stadio Olimpico from Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach a couple of years ago, the 25-year-old has established himself as an undisputed starter.
Last season, he enjoyed a promising time under Gian Piero Gasperini, making five goal contributions in 37 appearances across all competitions.
Moreover, he helped his side qualify for the Champions League by finishing third in Serie A. Having been impressed by his performances, Didier Deschamps selected him in France’s World Cup squad.
Now, on The Athletic podcast, when asked which summer deals might get revived in January, Ornstein reported that Chelsea came close to signing Kone this summer before shifting focus to Lamine Camara; a deal was ultimately blocked by AS Monaco.
Manchester United were also keen on him before buying Carlos Baleba. So, Kone might attract attention once again in January, and the journalist thinks Liverpool like him as well to bolster the engine room in the future.
Ornstein 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.”
Kone to Liverpool
The Roma star is valued at around £43m by Transfermarkt and still has a contract until 2029. So, the Italian giants aren’t in any rush to sell him next year.
Kone is a defensive midfielder by trait but is also efficient in the box-to-box role. He is dynamic, strong, can play threading passes between the lines, and is efficient in defensive contributions.
Following Curtis Jones’ move to Inter Milan, Liverpool currently have Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Trey Nyoni as midfield options.
However, Endo has found himself on the periphery in recent years, while Nyoni is still very young and needs time to develop. So, Liverpool could do with signing a new midfielder.
Kone is currently at the prime stage of his career and possesses the necessary physical attributes to flourish in the Premier League. So, he might be a shrewd acquisition for Liverpool should they purchase him.
However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the Merseyside club eventually make a concrete approach to secure his services in January.
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