Liverpool's summer transfer activity is set to accelerate following the conclusion of the World Cup, with midfield reinforcements a top priority for manager Andoni Iraola. The Reds have been linked with Roma's French international Manu Kone, while an offer for homegrown midfielder Curtis Jones has come to light.
Manu Kone Back on Liverpool's Radar
Liverpool's interest in Manu Kone has reportedly reignited years after the club first scouted the Frenchman during Jurgen Klopp's tenure. According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, the Premier League giants are keen to add Kone—currently representing France at the World Cup—to their midfield as Roma face significant financial pressure.
The Serie A side need to raise £42 million (€50 million) to meet UEFA's financial fair play regulations. Kone was previously a target for Atletico Madrid, who were confident of securing a deal worth £38 million (€45 million). However, Roma have now raised their valuation to £51 million (€60 million) after UEFA extended the July 1 deadline by a month.
Liverpool's midfield struggled last season, with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch experiencing a sharp drop in form. Iraola, 43, has already secured the arrivals of Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, though the former's transfer was agreed under previous manager Arne Slot. The Reds have yet to add a replacement for Mohamed Salah, but midfield remains a key area of focus.
Curtis Jones Future in Doubt
Curtis Jones' future has been uncertain throughout the summer, with Inter Milan showing strong interest. The Serie A champions had a £27 million bid rejected for the 25-year-old last month, with Liverpool valuing him at £35 million. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Inter have now accelerated negotiations by making a new approach through intermediaries.
Jones has just 12 months left on his Liverpool contract, adding urgency to the situation. Despite the speculation, Iraola expressed his desire to keep Jones at Anfield. Speaking on Monday, the Spaniard said: "I will have the chance to speak with him today. I rate Curtis very highly. For me, he is a great, great player, and I hope he can continue with us and continue performing the way he has been performing. It's very important that he's Scouse, that he's from here."
Iraola added: "I also like the personality. From the outside, at least, he looks like a player with good character, and I hope we can keep him, not only for this year but for more time."
With the World Cup ending on Sunday, Liverpool's summer business is expected to ramp up. The Reds are balancing potential incomings like Kone with the need to resolve Jones' future, as Iraola shapes his squad for the 2026/27 season.
