For Liverpool supporters, the midfielder market of 2023 still carries familiar names. One of them stood out during what was widely described as the club’s Great Midfield Rebuild. At a time when Liverpool were reshaping the engine room after years of stability, this player was repeatedly positioned as a key alternative to Jude Bellingham. Reports placed him at the centre of Liverpool’s plans, with suggestions that a Premier League move was close. The interest was serious. Liverpool were said to have made direct contact with the player’s representatives early in the summer. An asking price in the region of €40m to €45m was discussed. At one stage, reports even claimed personal terms had been agreed. The belief among supporters was that a deal would follow, possibly alongside another French midfielder. That move never happened. A knee injury suffered during the Under-21 European Championships slowed momentum. Liverpool then adjusted course and signed other midfield options instead. Since then, the player has rebuilt his profile away from England. He has become a regular presence in Serie A and remains on the radar of elite clubs. Premier League interest has not disappeared. It has only changed direction.
That direction now appears to point towards Manchester United. Journalist Francesca Teodori has made a strong claim regarding the midfielder’s future. Speaking on ASRomaLive’s Twitch channel, she said, “It’s not news, but it’s a fairly credible rumour. I’ve been told by multiple sources that he’ll leave Roma in June and join Manchester United.” AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone has been key for Roma since last season and continues to attract attention. Inter Milan attempted to sign him in the summer, but a deal did not go through. They remain interested. Newcastle United were also previously linked before fading from the picture. Teodori addressed talk of a possible swap involving Joshua Zirkzee. She said, “I don’t know if this has anything to do with the Zirkzee deal. He might have been included as a sort of counterpart. This remains to be seen, but what’s certain is that Kone is very keen on the destination and it looks like he could join United in June.” From a Liverpool perspective, it is another reminder of how close the club once came. A midfielder once viewed as central to Klopp’s rebuild may now strengthen a direct rival instead.
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