Liverpool F.C. Are considering a January move for AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné as they look to strengthen their squad. The Premier League club has been linked with the French midfielder who has also attracted interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.
Liverpool currently sit sixth in the Premier League with five points from three games, recording one win and two draws. Their recent form reads WDD, and they have scored six goals while conceding four. The club is four points behind early leaders Manchester City as they prepare for their next fixture, an away trip to face Sunderland on January 6, 2027.
The interest in Manu Koné signals a continued focus on reinforcing the engine room at Anfield. Liverpool have plans to sign another midfielder next summer, even after any potential January business. This longer-term strategy suggests the recruitment team is planning for multiple windows. Bringing in another player in that position next summer would have a direct impact on the senior squad, potentially pushing World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister further down the pecking order. The club's full midfield options are listed on the squad page.
While the Koné link is the primary Liverpool angle, the wider transfer rumour mill contains several other notable stories. Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall has agreed a new contract until 2031, though the deal will not include a release clause. Despite this new deal, Newcastle could still sell the player next summer. Elsewhere, Barcelona are looking to sell Dutch international Frenkie de Jong when the January window opens.
Nottingham Forest could revive their interest in Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall in January. In Scotland, Rangers summer signing Daisuke Yokota has been ruled out through injury, is set for surgery, and faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. Livingston manager David Martindale has pledged he will not be stepping back into the dugout long-term.
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has offered high praise for one of the club's youngsters. Giggs said: "JJ Gabriel is a 'generational talent' who reminds him of Wayne Rooney." The former winger has also urged the teenager to remain patient as he waits for his first-team breakthrough at Old Trafford. This endorsement highlights the potential seen in the academy ranks at one of Liverpool's historic rivals.
The transfer speculation comes as Liverpool seek to build momentum in the early part of the campaign. With a goal difference of +2, the team's underlying numbers show room for improvement. Adding a player of Koné's profile could provide a different dynamic in the middle of the park. All of this planning is set against the backdrop of a packed schedule, details of which are available on the fixtures page. The next challenge is a trip to the Stadium of Light to face a Sunderland side sitting 12th in the table.
