Liverpool have once again been linked with a move for Roma and France midfielder Manu Kone, but a deep dive into the data suggests the Reds may be wise to look elsewhere. The 25-year-old was reportedly on Liverpool's radar in the summer of 2023, but the club instead signed Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch, a decision vindicated by their Premier League title win in 2024-25.
Kone's Impressive World Cup Campaign
Kone played a key role for France at the 2026 World Cup, surprising many by starting five matches as Les Bleus reached the semi-finals. He completed 92.0% of his passes overall and made more recoveries per 90 (5.83) than 83% of other midfielders at the tournament. He also won possession in the final third (0.93 times per 90) more often than 85% of his positional peers. Against Paraguay in the last 16, no player made more accurate passes (66) or completed more passes into the final third (17) than Kone.
Weaknesses Exposed
However, Kone struggled against a well-drilled Spain side in the semi-finals, winning just one of six ground duels and committing two fouls. His Serie A stats for the 2025-26 season raise further concerns. He won only 50.5% of his duels (57th percentile) and committed 1.72 fouls per 90 (78th percentile). He was also dispossessed 1.32 times per 90 (86th percentile) and was dribbled past 1.02 times per 90 (22nd percentile). According to the data, these weaknesses could be exploited in the Premier League.
Positive Traits
Despite these flaws, Kone has several strengths. He completed 45.35 passes per 90 in Serie A (80th percentile) on just 65.15 touches per 90 (73rd percentile), indicating quick ball movement. He also completed 1.06 dribbles per 90 (85th percentile) with a 61.7% success rate (83rd percentile) and won more fouls per 90 (1.94) than 84% of midfielders. His ability to adapt to a more attacking system for France is also encouraging.
The Verdict
While Kone could serve as a balanced squad option for Liverpool, he is not a fix-all solution. The Reds already have similar players like Alexis Mac Allister, and Kone's physical and defensive shortcomings make him a risky primary target. Corriere dello Sport reported on July 13 that Roma want €60m for Kone, with interest from Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, and Liverpool. Liverpool decided against signing him in 2023, a choice that proved correct. As one analyst noted, "Is Kone good enough for Liverpool? Probably, as a balanced squad option. Should he be the primary midfield transfer target? Probably not."
