Romano reveals transfer is 'realistic' for long-time Liverpool target

Tom Weber

Updated: 22 Jan 2024 17:04 GMT
3 min read

Fabrizio Romano believes that long-time Liverpool target Manu Kone could be on the move in the summer.

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The French midfielder put his name on the map with some outstanding performances for struggling Borussia Monchengladbach last term, leading to strong links with many elite clubs, chief among them Liverpool.

FootballTransfers exclusively revealed the extent of the Reds' courtship of Kone last year, but a move ultimately didn't materialise, with the Merseyside club prioritising the signing of Alexis Mac Allister, before pouncing on the chances to snap up Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch.

Wataru Endo was another midfield reinforcement brought in by the Reds in the summer, though the experienced Japan international is only a short to medium-term solution. Potential interest in adding another midfield on the part of Jurgen Klopp and company remains and Kone could become available in the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

© ProShots - Manu Kone in action against Eintracht Frankfurt

Summer move 'realistic'

Due to a red card suspension and an injury, the 22-year-old has only featured in 10 games so far for Gladbach, who are once again underperforming in the Bundesliga this season. This has led to interest in his services becoming muted.

However, Romano insists that Kone remains in demand and could yet get his big transfer - but only in the summer. “It’s gone a bit quiet on Manu Kone but interest is still there,” Romano told CaughtOffside.

“It looks like there is nothing concrete for January. Obviously, many top clubs are monitoring him, clubs from France, Germany, Italy, England too, but it’s just scouting for now, no concrete talks taking place and I think a summer move is more realistic.”

Due to Gladbach's poor form in recent years, Kone's Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has taken a significant hit, now standing at just €11.4 million, down from a September 2022 peak of €21.8m. The Frenchman could be something of a bargain in the next transfer window.