According to transfer expert Rudy Galetti, Liverpool have reignited their interest in Borussia Monchengladbach star Manu Kone ahead of the January transfer window opening tomorrow.
Liverpool’s Boxing Day victory at Turf Moor secured them the top spot in the Premier League table, whilst Arsenal’s loss to West Ham United ensured they stayed there with two points to spare heading into their next fixture against Newcastle United on January 1st.
However, there is still a very long way to go in the campaign and Jurgen Klopp will be under no illusions that it isn’t over until it really is over on the final day of the season, so keeping up with their competitors will be essential to keep their title dreams alive.
The imminent new year presents new opportunities for the Liverpool boss to strengthen his squad with a month-long window in January to take advantage of should he find it necessary to add further reinforcements, and it looks like Klopp has kept his eye on one man in particular.
Transfer expert and journalist Rudy Galetti has now revealed that Liverpool have reignited their interest in one of their summer midfield targets and took to Twitter to confirm the latest on Friday:
“#PSG added Manu #Kone to their list of midfielders. The player – whose contract with #Gladbach expires in 2026 – is also followed by #Liverpool and #Tottenham. #Transfers #LFC #THFC”
Will Liverpool sign Manu Kone?
Despite snapping up the services of Wataru Endo in the summer, at 30 years old it is hard to imagine he is the player that Klopp envisioned as the future of the defensive midfield role.
As a result, it would make perfect sense for Liverpool to add some depth to the defensive position in the centre of the pitch and invest in a youthful prospect who could become the worthy Fabinho successor for years to come.
Over eight Bundesliga appearances, the 22-year-old Frenchman has tallied up an 88% pass completion rate, successfully completed 59% of his dribbles and scored one goal, as well as averaging 5.3 ball recoveries, 2.1 tackles and 7.6 duels won per game, as per SofaScore.
Not only that, Kone ranks in the top 15% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for progressive carries, successful take-ons and tackles per 90 minutes played over the last 365 days, according to FBref.
Despite his game time being limited this season, football journalist Antonio Mango has given an insight into the skill set and talent that the Monchengladbach titan could bring to the Premier League:
“Koné does all his work in the centre of the pitch, capable of leading attacking, he’s fantastic at transitioning from defense to attack. Koné has a little bit of swagger about him but in a good way, very confident and composed in possession and accomplished when being pressed.”
With that being said, it will be interesting to see if Klopp puts his trust into Endo to see Liverpool through this season or whether the club will look to cover the defensive midfield position with further reinforcements, either way Kone is clearly a promising talent with bags of potential.
