Liverpool transfer news as the Reds are reportedly ready to make a move for Manu Kone, while another deal with Barcelona could be considered after Ronald Araujo's loan
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 10: Manu Kone of AS Roma warms up before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Fenerbahce SK and AS Roma at Fenerbahce Sükrü Saracoglu Spor Kompleksi on September 10, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ferda Demir/Getty Images)
Manu Kone has been linked with a move to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
It’s been a mixed start to the season for Liverpool, which remains unbeaten under Andoni Iraola, although there are clear areas to improve on.
The Reds’ new boss has claimed two wins from his first five games, with the rest of those draws, and has seen some promising signs in victories over Ipswich and Atletico Madrid. Iraola and his side though were brought back down to earth by a dismal goalless draw with Fulham at the weekend.
The summer saw plenty of money being spent as Bradley Barcola finally completed his move to Anfield, but not every problem position was addressed, and the latest reports suggest the club could look to rectify that in January.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today.
Manu Kone (Roma)
Liverpool is “ready to make a move” for Roma midfielder Manu Kone, according to Italian outlet Tuttomercato.
It’s claimed that the Reds have made an inquiry for the French international, and could make a move for him in the January transfer window. They’re not the only English club interested though, with Chelsea still in the running after an attempted deal in the summer.
Roma is said to have turned down a $69 million (€60M) offer during the final hours of the transfer window, and the Blues have “no intention of giving up”. Kone’s current club though is said to be determined to keep hold of him.
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Liverpool.com says: Liverpool definitely needs to add to its midfield. Alexis Mac Allister has shown signs of improvement, but Ryan Gravenberch is showing signs of regression, and a true defensive specialist is needed in the middle of the park.
Kone might be the type of player the Reds are looking for, but you can't help but think that, if they were interested, they would have made a move for him by now. He has, after all, been linked with a move to Anfield for some time now.
Alejandro Balde (Barcelona)
Alejandro Balde has emerged as a possible option for Liverpool, with Spanish outlet Sport claiming that Andoni Iraola would be keen on the Barcelona defender’s signing.
Manchester United and Inter Milan were linked with the 22-year-old during the summer, but it’s now suggested that Iraola would consider him an “interesting signing” at Anfield. Relations with Barcelona are said to be good after Ronald Araujo’s loan move, and the Reds could be encouraged to make a move for Balde given his current situation at the Camp Nou.
Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona during the pre-season friendly match between Birmingham City and FC Barcelona at St Andrew’s at Knighthead Park on July 31, 2026 in Birmingham, England
Alejandro Balde has not made an appearance for Barcelona this season(Image: 2026 James Gill - Danehouse)
The Spanish international left-back has not featured yet this season for Barcelona, and is now said to have been relegated to third-choice behind Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo. He does have one of the club’s symbolic €1 billion release clauses, but his market value is estimated at a more palatable €40M ($46M).
Liverpool.com says: Liverpool really should have bolstered its defense more than it did in the summer, and now left-back is looking like a problem position. Going into the new season with Kostas Tsimikas as Milos Kerkez's backup, having seemingly decided time was up for him last year, is a really strange decision.
Kerkez himself still doesn't look all that convincing, so a big decision will need to be made soon, whether it's to sign a new deputy for him at left-back, or bring someone else in to go straight into the team.