Both Liverpool and Manchester United are being linked with the same World Cup star, but the Reds could hold the upper hand as the selling club faces a deadline from UEFA
10:36, 14 Jul 2026
Manu KONE of France and Ayyoub BOUADDI of Morocco during the 2026 FIFA World Cup - Round of 4 match between France and Morocco at Gillette Stadium on July 9, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Liverpool has been linked with a move for Manu Kone(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool could find itself in a battle with Manchester United for a new midfielder, with reports suggesting the two rivals are both after Manu Kone.
The Reds have made just the one new signing so far this summer, having secured Victor Munoz from Osasuna, although Jeremy Jacquet has also completed his move from Rennes after a deal was agreed during the January transfer window.
New head coach Andoni Iraola has made it clear that he wants more new additions, and while a new winger to replace Mohamed Salah appears to be the priority, Liverpool could also be in the market for a new midfielder.
The Reds struggled in that department last season, with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch not hitting their heights of the previous campaign. Meanwhile, Curtis Jones has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield, although Iraola has outlined his desire to keep the 25-year-old amid interest from Inter Milan.
Nevertheless, Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport claims that Liverpool is interested in Roma midfielder Kone, who is currently starring for France at the World Cup.
The 25-year-old has been linked with the Reds previously, having been touted during his time at former club Borussia Monchengladbach. Now, it’s suggested they could rival United for his signature this summer.
Manu Kone of France looks on during the Quarter Final - FIFA World Cup 2026 match between France and Morocco
Roma could look to sell Manu Kone to avoid punishment from UEFA(Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid had been in pursuit of Kone earlier in the summer, with the Spanish side said to have been confident of getting a deal done for around $51 million (€45M). With Roma needing to raise $57 million (€50M) to meet UEFA’s financial fair play regulations, it seemed as though the Italian club would have no other option.
UEFA though has now extended its July 1 deadline by a month, owing to the World Cup delaying transfer activity in some cases. As a result, Roma is now said to have raised Kone’s asking price to $68 million (€60M), making a move to Atletico less likely.
It’s suggested that Liverpool and United could come into consideration though, with interest coming from both clubs.
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The Reds may even have the upper hand, with United having confirmed the signing of Andrey Santos this week, while Youri Tielemans is expected to make the move to Old Trafford from Aston Villa, meaning a move for another midfielder may not be needed.
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Speaking about his club’s current situation, Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini hinted that it could be forced to take action soon in order to avoid any punishement from UEFA, which may leave the door open for Kone to make a move.
“The financial fair play conditions are never exactly precise or defined, they vary from team to team. It’s undeniable that Roma know that we have to balance the budgets, which has been tough in recent years,” Gasperini said.
“I’d hoped that entry into the Champions League would have been enough, but budgets are important for clubs and must be respected. I think there will be more clarity in the coming weeks.”