Liverpool are monitoring Roma midfielder Manu Koné as a potential future transfer target, according to David Ornstein, after the France international came close to joining Chelsea during the summer.
Koné was understood to be high on Chelsea’s list before the west London club switched their attention to Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara. That proposed move ultimately failed to materialise, while Liverpool have also been linked with Camara.
Liverpool transfer interest in Manu Koné
Ornstein told The Athletic that Liverpool’s interest in Koné was more established than the club’s reported pursuit of Camara, although neither player appears to be the subject of an imminent deal.
“Manu Koné from Roma. He came very close to joining Chelsea before they pivoted to Camara,” Ornstein said.
“I think Liverpool like him as one of their potential future options.”
The midfielder joined Roma from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2024, initially on loan with an obligation for the Italian club to complete the transfer. Roma’s official squad list continues to identify Koné as a first-team midfielder wearing the number 17 shirt.
Ornstein added that Liverpool had been prepared to consider midfield options if further movement took place in the squad, despite Curtis Jones leaving during the summer.
“I think there’s interest in Koné of Roma, and they’ll have other options as well,” he said. “Don’t forget they’ve got Trey Nyoni there, who’s really impressing.”
Koné’s profile would give Liverpool greater physicality and defensive authority in central midfield, while Camara remains another name linked with the club. The interest is understood to be part of longer-term planning rather than evidence of an immediate approach to Roma.
