£35m player finally allowed to leave, but Liverpool are no longer trying to sign him – journalist

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Former Liverpool target Manu Kone will be allowed to leave Borussia Monchengladbach in January.

Kone was heavily linked with a move to Anfield during the summer transfer window. But having picked up an untimely injury while on international duty, the 22-year-old ended up staying put.

According to Sky journalist Florian Plettenberg though, Kone is likely to be on the move mid-season.

Taking to Twitter last night though, Plettenberg claimed that despite the France U21 star’s availability, Liverpool are not currently ‘a topic.’

“Manu Kone: His contract automatically extended until 2026. It wasn’t a surprise because this clause was negotiated in 2021,” the journalist reported, following news of a new contract for Kone.

“Despite the extension: Kone is allowed to leave M’Gladbach in the winter. Price tag: €40-45 million [£35-39m].

“He intends to take the next step at the latest in the summer. He’s on Bayern’s list. Liverpool is currently not a topic. No talks/negotiations with LFC!”

Kone gets Gladbach green light

There’s really no reason at all for Liverpool not to be interested in a January move for Kone.

It’s clear that the Reds have already explored the potential costs of a deal with the player’s agents. They obviously rate him highly.

That they chose not to pursue a move for Kone in the summer may or may not have been down to the injury he suffered in July. But as he’s now fit, Liverpool’s interest should be reignited.

The cost is reasonable for a young player with such high potential and the Gladbach man looks capable of being a specialist defensive midfielder.

If it’s between Kone and Fluminense’s Andre Trindade for a January addition, then it really is just a toss of the coin.

Andre looks like he could be a really special player, but coming straight from Brazil has the potential to be a gamble. Kone meanwhile has already proven himself in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga. The Premier League feels like an appropriate next step. Injuries may be an issue, though.

It could of course be that Liverpool keep their powder dry and go with what they’ve got for the rest of the season. But we think that would be a mistake. With two such talented young midfielders available, at least one of them should end up at Anfield.