Liverpool Eyes Koné as Midfield Fix; Roma Holds Firm

LIVERPOOL, England — AS Roma’s French international Manu Koné has emerged as a prominent target on Liverpool’s radar as the Premier League leaders evaluate midfield reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window. The 25-year-old midfielder is being monitored by Liverpool’s recruitment staff, according to football journalist David Ornstein on *The Athletic* podcast, as they plan for future windows under head coach Arne Slot.

Veteran Japanese defensive midfielder Wataru Endo has seen limited action under the new coaching staff, while highly-rated academy graduate Trey Nyoni remains in the early stages of his professional development. Slot’s tactical system relies heavily on a dynamic, high-energy midfield, but Liverpool’s options beyond the starting trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai remain thin. The departure of England international Curtis Jones to Italian giants Inter Milan has intensified the club’s need for an established, multi-functional midfielder who can handle the physical demands of the Premier League.

Koné established his reputation in the Bundesliga with Borussia Mönchengladbach before transitioning to Serie A with Roma. He is capable of playing both as a deep-lying defensive protector and in a box-to-box role, known for his ability to break lines with progressive passing and carry the ball out of tight spaces under pressure. Last season, Koné enjoyed a productive campaign under Gian Piero Gasperini, registering five goal contributions in 37 appearances across all competitions.

Liverpool is not the only Premier League club to have explored a move for the Frenchman. Ornstein reported that Chelsea was on the verge of signing Koné during the summer window before pivoting toward Monaco’s Lamine Camara—a transfer that was ultimately blocked by the French club. Manchester United was also heavily linked with Koné before finalizing a deal for Carlos Baleba.

Securing Koné’s services mid-season will present financial and negotiation challenges. Roma is under no immediate pressure to part with the player, who is under contract in the Italian capital until 2029. Transfermarkt currently values the midfielder at approximately £43 million ($56 million), a valuation that Roma is expected to hold firm on during the winter window. His performances last season helped secure a third-place finish in Serie A, guiding his team back into the UEFA Champions League. This domestic success also earned him recognition on the international stage, with France national team manager Didier Deschamps naming him to the national squad.

With the January window nearing, Liverpool must decide whether to submit a formal offer to test Roma’s resolve or wait until the summer to address their midfield depth. The interest comes at a time when the club’s recruitment staff is focused on securing long-term stability in the engine room, as Gravenberch has excelled in a deeper playmaking role this season alongside Mac Allister and Szoboszlai. Koné fits the profile of the modern, press-resistant midfielder Liverpool’s scouting department favors.