Bayern Munich joins Liverpool in the race for Manu Koné – TheHard Tackle.com Home Transfer News Bayern Munich joins Liverpool in the race for Manu Koné
Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in signing highly-rated midfielder Kouadio Kone from Borussia Monchenglad bach, a target for Liverpool.
According to Bild journalist Christian Falk, Liverpool are “still monitoring” Manu Koné and pursuing interest in the summer, but face tough competition from German giants Bayern Munich, who are keen to keep the 22-year-old in Bundesliga.
Kone was one of the first names to seriously emerge as a potential transfer target to bolster Liverpool’s depleted engine room at the start of the latest summer transfer window. But an untimely injury seemingly derailed Liverpool’s approach and the player was left behind.
Ultimately, Jürgen Klopp’s team decided to distribute the money to players such as Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo to complete the midfield overhaul with Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade – Chamberlain leaves early in the same window.
However, it appears the Reds have not given up their hunt for the France Under-21 international and are continuing to monitor his situation ahead of the January transfer window. Liverpool could also be preparing for another exit from the midfielder next year.
Thiago Alcantara’s current term expires next summer and the Reds are unlikely to grant the injury-prone midfielder a contract extension, making Koné a realistic target given future demands.
Kone’s current contract with Mönchengladbach runs until 2025, so with the new year approaching, suitors will likely be able to negotiate a lower price for the midfielder unless the German club manages to sell him on a new binding contract .
The problem for Liverpool is that not only are they interested in Kone’s services, but reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are also fighting for his signature.
Bayern are believed to be on the hunt for a defensive midfielder following failed summer pursuits of Scott McTominay and Joao Palhinha.
The latter even flew to Bavaria for a medical on summer transfer deadline day, but Fulham did not approve such a late sale and he has now signed a contract extension at Craven Cottage.
Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel now appears to have turned his attention to Kone, who is still trying to get back to fitness following a knee injury suffered during last summer’s European Under-21 Championship.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will prioritize signings in other areas with some depth before launching a full-fledged offensive for a new midfielder.
However, Kone is a special talent and definitely worth keeping an eye on, and he could be at the center of a heated transfer war in the upcoming January transfer window.
