Liverpool have been linked with a summer move for Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone
Any move could be aided by Liverpool’s new sporting director, Jorg Schmadtke, who was appointed to the position on Tuesday.
The 59-year-old former goalkeeper will start on June 1 and has extensive knowledge of German markets, having previously worked as a sporting director at Wolfsburg, Koln, and Hannover.
But who exactly is Kone, and how can he help Liverpool if he signs this summer? Let us investigate.
Who exactly is Manu Kone?
Kone, a France youth international, joined Monchengladbach in the summer of 2021 after graduating from Toulouse’s academy.
Kone has since gone on to make 57 Bundesliga appearances, 30 of which have come this season.
He is a combative midfielder who has 22 yellow cards during his time in Germany. Kone has yet to be sent off in a match, demonstrating his good temperament.
How has he performed this year?
According to WhoScored, the 22-year-old has performed more tackles per match (2.5) than any other member of the Monchengladbach squad this season. He also has the most fouls per match (1.7).
He has produced the most dribbles per match (1.8) of any member of the squad during the attacking phase. In addition to the fouls he has committed, he has also been on the field.
Although Kone is not a goal-scoring midfielder (his best season in that category was the three goals he scored for Toulouse in 2020/21), his ball-progression statistics may make him an ideal fit for Klopp’s system.
What have people said about him?
After Kone made his Gladbach debut in September 2021, his then-manager Adi Hutter hinted at how the Frenchman could fit in at Liverpool.
“He’s a player with a lot of potential,” he said. I believe he makes an excellent central midfield trio with Denis Zakaria and Jonas Hofmann. That’s a lot of fun.”
Furthermore, scouting website Breaking the Lines stated in a June 2022 report: “Kone has been one of the most impressive players in the Bundesliga this [2021/22] season, showcasing his versatility,
Kone, who stands 6ft 1in tall, is an imposing figure in midfield, but he also has great speed and agility. This enables him to cover a lot of ground on the field and contribute both defensively and offensively… Kone is an excellent passer of the ball with a strong work ethic.”
What makes Liverpool think they’d be interested?
According to the above, Kone would be an excellent addition to a Liverpool midfield three, which has been Klopp’s preferred system throughout his time at Anfield.
He would add dynamism to the center of the pitch, with his ability to drive between both boxes, work rate, and overall passing skill explaining why Liverpool are reportedly interested.
He’s been described as a ‘Jude Bellingham alternative’ by talkSPORT, and he could be a cheap option as the Reds look to rebuild their midfield.
What’s the most recent news?
According to BILD, the Reds have “big” plans to sign Kone and have already begun talks by inquiring about the midfielder.
They have been quoted a price range of €40 to €45 million (approximately £34 to £38 million).
It is added that Gladbach want to negotiate a high fee in order to sell the midfielder, but are also wary of needing quick funds to fulfil their own ambitions in the transfer market, with it said to be ‘already clear’ that Kone will depart the club.
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