AS Roma put hefty Manu Kone transfer fee

Roma signed Manu Kone in the summer of 2023 from Borussia Mönchengladbach, viewing him as a long-term pillar in the centre of the pitch rather than a short-term solution.

Since arriving in Serie A, he has made over 40 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as a regular option through his ball-winning, carrying power and defensive intensity rather than goals or assists.

His potential availability stems less from performance issues and more from Roma’s financial strategy, with the club open to a high-value sale in summer if it helps balance accounts while his stock is rising.

At Manchester United, he fits neatly into a midfield shortlist that includes João Gomes, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba, but with a very different cost-to-output profile.

Unlike Wharton and Baleba, both valued close to £90–£100 million due to age, Premier League premium and long-term contracts, Kone is viewed as a more attainable option despite similar physical and tactical attributes.

United see him as a ready-made No. 8/defensive hybrid, capable of covering ground, breaking presses and shielding the back line — areas that have been inconsistent this season.

His experience in both the Bundesliga and Serie A adds to his appeal, offering top-league pedigree without the extreme financial risk attached to younger Premier League-based targets.

For a United side aiming to rebuild sustainably under Ruben Amorim, Koné represents a balance between quality, durability and value, rather than another inflated-market gamble.

The 24-year-old has attracted attention from several Premier League clubs, with United understood to be among those tracking his situation.

United’s interest aligns with Ruben Amorim’s wider plans to reshape the midfield, particularly with the long-term futures of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte under scrutiny.

Kone’s profile is seen as appealing at Old Trafford due to his physical presence, ball-carrying ability, and capacity to operate in high-intensity systems, attributes United feel are currently lacking in central areas.

Roma, however, remains firmly in control of the situation.

The Italian club have made it clear they are unwilling to sanction a January departure and instead view the summer window as the appropriate moment to consider offers.

Any move is expected to come at a premium, with Roma valuing the midfielder in the region of €60–65 million (£56,696,250), reflecting the length of his contract, which runs until 2029, according to Caught Offside.

While talks are not yet at an advanced stage, United and Roma are expected to maintain dialogue in the coming months as both sides weigh their options.

From the player’s perspective, a move to the Premier League is understood to be an attractive proposition, adding further momentum to speculation surrounding his future.