An update on Liverpool’s interest in Kouadio Kone during the current January transfer window has emerged
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are one of several clubs interested in the talented Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder
“Many top clubs are following French big talent Manu Kone,” he tweeted. Summer is the most likely time for the player, agents, and ‘Gladbach to relocate
“FC Bayern, Newcastle, PSG, and Liverpool (Bellingham remains their number one priority) are all well aware of Kone’s situation
Earlier this season, the printed edition of Sport Bild, via GFNG, reported that Monchengladbach are seeking at least €45 million (£40 million) for the Frenchman, and it remains to be seen whether FSG are willing to sanction a deal at that price
Gini Wijnaldum’s heir Liverpool have never really replaced Gini Wijnaldum’s consistent presence in the heart of their midfield, and the issues with Jurgen Klopp’s midfield have been visible this season
Thiago, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Harvey Elliott, and James Milner have all been rotated, with no player starting more than 13 Premier League games in central midfield
During his five years at Anfield, Wijnaldum played 33 or more league matches in every season for the Reds, missing only one game in his final two seasons
For Liverpool in midfield, the Dutchman was a reliable passer with a career pass accuracy of 88.5% and a defensive contributor with 1.5 tackles and interceptions per game
Kone is a similar player in that he is not a goalscorer or a creative type in that position, but he is a composed passer who can also mix it up and win possession for his team
This season, the 21-year-old has completed 87% of his attempted passes and made 2.9 tackles and interceptions per match for Gladbach in the Bundesliga
After a match against Bayern Munich in 2021/22, talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed the gem a “monstrous” player in the making and described Kone as a “one-man army,” which is supported by his impressive defensive statistics this season
After breaking into the team and making 25 starts in 2021/22, he has also started 14 of his club’s 15 Bundesliga matches this season under Daniel Farke, indicating that he has the potential to be a reliable and consistent presence in midfield like Wijnaldum was for Liverpool
As a result, Klopp can finally replace the Dutchman, who left the club in the summer of 2021, by swooping in this month or in the summer to sign Kone
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