Liverpool thought about signing ‘phenomenal’ £40m player this summer, but then didn’t call back – Romano

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Liverpool really considered signing Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone this summer.

The Reds were heavily linked with Kone, with conversations reported to have taken place with the Frenchman’s agents.

However, despite a deal seeming possible, nothing ever materialised. With Kone now set to be back on the market in January though, journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared what really happened between him and Liverpool this summer.

“Manu Kone could also be one to watch in January as it’s not true that he’s signed a new contract with Borussia Monchengladbach, despite reports elsewhere,” Romano writes in his Daily Briefing this morning.

“Kone’s current contract is valid until 2026, but he could leave in 2024. We’ll have to see what happens, though, because at the moment there are no contacts or negotiations ongoing with any other clubs, despite interest in him during the summer.

“Juventus and Liverpool were two clubs who considered him as an option but then did not call again after August.

“So we will see in 2024 what happens, but the player remains open to trying a new experience, while his asking price would likely be around €40/45m [£34-40m].”

Liverpool leave Kone hanging

The reason links with Kone have returned beyond the summer is that Liverpool could still do with a player in his mould.

Although not exclusively a defensive midfielder, the 22-year-old clearly has the tools to do that job. More than any of the Reds current options barring Wataru Endo, anyway.

So, with a decent looking price-tag and a willingness to move on, signing Kone would seem to make sense. As Mark Schwarzer said earlier this year, he’s a ‘phenomenal’ talent and would be a good addition.

Nevertheless, there’s obviously a reason why Liverpool didn’t call back beyond August. We’ll probably never know what that reason was, maybe it was his injury. But it feels like if the Reds truly wanted the France U21 international, they’d have got him.

As a result, we’d be surprised to see Liverpool pick up the phone and dial Gladbach’s number once again in the New Year.

A move for Fluminense midfielder Andre Trindade currently feels much more likely. Unlike with Kone, the reason the Reds didn’t follow up on Andre in the summer is clear. Flu wouldn’t sell him. In January, they will.

Time will tell whether that would be the right decision for Liverpool. Kone looks set to get his move anyway, so let’s hope it isn’t to a Premier League rival. Otherwise, they could end up regretting this one.