Roma midfielder Manu Kone is Liverpool’s “priority” transfer target over Lamine Camara in the final days of the window, according to journalist Khadim Diakhate.
Reds fans are desperate to see a new face in the middle of the park before the transfer deadline next Tuesday evening, given the lack of depth and defensive quality there.
Camara has been talked up as an exciting option for Liverpool in recent days, with Ben Jacobs saying they and Chelsea have been given the chance to sign the Monaco star:
“Monaco’s Lamine Camara has been offered to Chelsea and Liverpool as a late window opportunity. Crystal Palace had a bid turned down earlier this month.”
But now, Diakhate has provided a new update regarding Liverpool’s search for a midfielder on X, saying Roma ace Kone is the leading option to bring in, rather than Camara:
“There is a strong likelihood that the transfer will come to fruition, as Manu Koné remains Liverpool’s priority in midfield. The main obstacle, however, is still AS Roma, which is not open to selling at this time.”
Is Manu Kone an ideal midfield option for Liverpool?
Kone is a long-time Liverpool transfer target, having been linked with a move to Anfield in 2023, before Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai arrived instead.
He is still only 25 years of age and represents a strong option for the Reds, though, having been lauded by Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini during an impressive 2026 World Cup with France:
“Kone had a great first half of the season, and then was out of action due to injury for a bit during the second half. He’s having a great World Cup. He didn’t play with the France national team last year, but now he’s been able to claim a starting spot. It shows his potential and the work he’s put in.”
Kone would add the defensive quality that Liverpool crave in midfield, with 19-year-old Trey Nyoni the only natural No.6 in the squad, but it remains to be seen if Roma would be willing to sell such an important player.
The Frenchman made three tackles in Roma’s 4-0 win at home to Fiorentina in their Serie A opener last weekend, also completing 94.5% of his passes, and signing him would make plenty of sense for the Reds.