Liverpool Not Expected to Return for Manu Kone in January

Liverpool are not expected to return for summer midfield target Manu Kone, despite an understanding with his club that he could leave in January.

The Reds were believed to be interested in Kone at the start of the summer transfer window, with it widely anticipated that he would join Khephren Thuram. However, Liverpool ended up signing Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch instead, suggesting Kone was not a priority.

Kone then suffered a knee injury while on France U21s duty, and he stayed with Borussia Monchengladbach. Now back fit and featuring in two of the last three Bundesliga games, Kone has seen his contract extended by another year to 2026. According to Sky Germany, both player and club are open to a transfer as early as the January transfer window, with Gladbach setting a new price tag of between €40 million and €45 million.

The Frenchman being available for as little as £35 million could realistically pique the interest of those back at Anfield. But Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has claimed on Twitter that Kone is “not a topic” for Liverpool, with there having been “no talks” with the midfielder.

Liverpool Looking Elsewhere for Midfield Reinforcements

It appears that Liverpool are looking elsewhere for midfield reinforcements, with more likely that they will return with a new offer for Fluminense’s Andre. Andre was subject of an enquiry during the summer window and is nearing the end of the campaign in Brazil, with the Copa Libertadores final coming up against Boca Juniors on November 4. It is almost accepted that he will leave at the end of the year.

Kone is still attracting interest from “numerous top clubs”, though Bayern Munich have been ruled out. It remains to be seen if Liverpool will make a move for him in January, but it seems unlikely at this stage.

Conclusion

Liverpool were believed to be interested in Manu Kone at the start of the summer transfer window, but ultimately went on to sign other midfielders instead. Kone then suffered a knee injury while on France U21s duty and has since seen his contract extended by another year to 2026. Both player and club are open to a transfer as early as the January transfer window, but Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has claimed on Twitter that Kone is “not a topic” for Liverpool. It appears that Liverpool are looking elsewhere for midfield reinforcements, with more likely that they will return with a new offer for Fluminense’s Andre. It remains to be seen if Liverpool will make a move for Kone in January, but it seems unlikely at this stage.