Could Manu Koné Be an Option as Liverpool Plan Major Midfield Changes?

Liverpool’s plans to reshape their midfield in 2027 are beginning to generate a familiar collection of names, and AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné is among the more intriguing possibilities.

Speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, Liverpool reporter David Lynch discussed Koné alongside AS Monaco’s Lamine Camara and Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott as potential options being monitored.

There is no suggestion that Liverpool have decided to pursue Koné. Lynch did, however, confirm that the French international has previously been watched by the club, with Liverpool seemingly continuing to monitor his progress.

Liverpool Interest in Manu Koné Revisited

Davis introduced the midfield discussion by highlighting reports around Liverpool and Camara before adding: “I think they like Manu Koné as one of their potential options.”

Koné’s inclusion caught Lynch’s attention because Liverpool’s previous interest dates back several years.

“With Koné, it kind of surprises me,” Lynch said.

“Obviously was someone they watched a few years back, but they’ve obviously been keeping tabs.”

Most significantly, Lynch included the Roma midfielder among the players Liverpool could potentially consider when they eventually address the position.

“He’s in that mix of midfielders who are playing well and could be potentials.”

That wording is important. Koné is presented as an option Liverpool have watched rather than a player they are currently attempting to sign.

Midfield Becoming Liverpool Priority

The wider context makes Liverpool’s monitoring particularly relevant.

Lynch explained that Liverpool were already aware they were unlikely to make significant midfield changes during the recently closed summer window.

“We know Liverpool are now looking at the midfield in the way that they knew they couldn’t do anything in the summer,” Lynch said.

Attention is instead turning towards 2027, when Liverpool’s recruitment priorities could shift considerably.

“That change is coming into 2027. It’s probably the main priority that they are looking at.”

For Liverpool, that potentially creates two opportunities to act. January provides the first, followed by the summer transfer window.

Lynch remains unsure whether the club intend to accelerate their plans during the winter.

“Whether that’s January or not, I’m not sure. We’ll just have to kind of wait and see.”

Koné Joins Camara and Scott on Liverpool Radar

Koné is clearly not Liverpool’s only possible midfield target.

Davis also referenced Camara, whose name continues to appear in reports surrounding Liverpool, while Scott is attracting attention from several leading Premier League clubs.

Lynch confirmed Liverpool’s longstanding monitoring of Camara, saying: “Obviously we know with Lamine Camara they’ve been watching for a while.”

Scott represents another possibility. Lynch described a situation where Bournemouth could eventually become willing sellers, while suggesting further months of Premier League football could allow Liverpool to evaluate elements of his development.

“There’s a lot of options there available,” Lynch concluded.

That perhaps provides the clearest indication of where Liverpool currently stand.

Could Liverpool Move for Manu Koné?

Based strictly on Lynch’s comments, Koné should be viewed as one potential candidate within a broader Liverpool midfield search.

There is established scouting history. Liverpool watched him several years ago and Lynch says they have “obviously been keeping tabs”. His current performances have also placed him within what Lynch describes as the “mix” of midfielders who could become possibilities.

What remains unknown is how high Koné sits on Liverpool’s list, whether Roma would entertain a transfer, what the potential financial demands might be or whether Liverpool would prefer Camara, Scott or another midfielder entirely.

The clearest development concerns Liverpool’s overall strategy.

Midfield change is coming into 2027 and Lynch believes it is “probably the main priority” facing the club.

If Liverpool decide that their next midfield addition requires a player they already know well from years of scouting, Manu Koné is one name that appears to remain under consideration.