Liverpool FC have turned their attention to Roma midfielder Manu Kone, with the France international emerging as a potential target for the January transfer window. The interest comes just days after Kone was heavily linked with a move away from Serie A. Chelsea pushed hard to sign the midfielder before the summer deadline, but Roma ultimately blocked the transfer.
Now, according to reports, Liverpool are monitoring Kone and are aware of his availability. The 25-year-old could therefore become one of the names to watch when the January transfer market reopens.
Liverpool Transfer News: Reds Eye Manu Kone For January Move
Liverpool’s interest in Manu Kone is understood to be genuine, although there is no indication yet that a January deal has been agreed. Ornstein has confirmed awareness of the Reds’ interest in the Roma midfielder, placing Liverpool among the clubs monitoring his situation.
Kone’s failed summer transfer could make the January market particularly interesting. Chelsea reportedly came close to reaching an agreement for the midfielder before Roma refused to sanction his departure.
Sky Sports reported that Chelsea were working on a deal as they searched for a replacement for Enzo Fernandez, but Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini did not want to lose Kone without securing a replacement.
Another report suggested that Chelsea had an offer worth around €60 million on the table before Gasperini intervened to keep Kone in Rome.
Manu Kone Transfer: Chelsea, Liverpool And Manchester United In Race
Liverpool are not the first Premier League club to show interest in Manu Kone. Manchester United were previously linked with the midfielder, while Chelsea made the strongest push during the recent window. Liverpool’s interest, however, gives Kone another potential route to England in January.
Kone joined Roma from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2024 and has established himself as an important midfielder in Serie A. His performances also earned him a regular role with France, including four starts during their 2026 World Cup campaign.
Roma ultimately retained Kone despite the summer pressure. The club’s sporting director Tony D’Amico also acknowledged after deadline day that the squad could still require reinforcements in January.
The Reds did not add a central midfielder during the summer window, while Curtis Jones departed for Inter Milan. Kone’s power, ball-carrying ability and international experience could make him an attractive option.
