AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone has indicated his willingness to join Manchester United, following strong performances for France at the World Cup. The 25-year-old has stepped into the French squad in place of Aurelien Tchouameni and impressed, leading to renewed interest from the Premier League club.
United had previously withdrawn from a €45 million deal for Atalanta’s Ederson, but reports suggest they may revisit that transfer at a reduced fee. However, Kone’s emergence as a potential alternative has quickly gained traction, with his skillset appearing well-suited to address United’s needs in midfield. He is coming off an impressive season in Serie A, helping Roma secure Champions League qualification for the first time since 2019.
Despite some hamstring injuries that impacted his playing time, Kone was a consistent starter for Roma when fit. Data analytics firm SciSports highlighted his exceptional possession-retaining abilities as a key strength during the last Serie A campaign. News of United’s interest surfaced shortly after the Ederson deal fell through, with Italian reports suggesting the club quickly established contact with Kone’s representatives.
Kone was previously close to joining Inter last year, but Roma’s ownership intervened to prevent the transfer. The club now faces financial pressures and needs to generate revenue through player sales, particularly after struggling with UEFA’s spending regulations. Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledged the club’s financial situation, stating that balancing the books remains a crucial concern despite Champions League qualification.
“Last year he hadn’t played for France yet, and he managed to earn a starting spot, which shows his true worth,” Gasperini said. He continued, noting the complexities of Financial Fair Play and Roma’s need to address their financial statements. Roma currently value Kone between €50m-€55m, a similar price range to the previously discussed Ederson deal. A transfer would benefit all parties involved, allowing Roma to strengthen their financial position, Kone to secure a high-profile move, and Manchester United to bolster their midfield options.
