Liverpool have been linked with the signing of Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone this summer.
Any move could be aided by Liverpool's new sporting director, Jorg Schmadtke, with the Reds announcing the appointment of the German to the role on Tuesday.
The 59-year-old former goalkeeper will officially take office on June 1 and has solid knowledge of the German market, having previously worked as sporting director at Wolfsburg, Cologne and Hanover.
But who is Kone and how can he improve Liverpool if he signs this summer? We will consider. Advertisement
Who is Manu Koné?
French youngster Kone signed for Mönchengladbach in the summer of 2021 from French side Toulouse, where he went to the club's academy.
Kone has made 57 Bundesliga appearances, 30 of which were scored in the current season.
He is a fighting midfielder who received 22 bookings during his time in Germany. Kone has yet to be sent off in a match which shows he's in a good mood. Advertisement
How has he played this season?
According to WhoScored, the 22-year-old has proven his solid defensive skills this season, making more tackles per game (2.5) than any other member of the Mönchengladbach team. He also commits the most fouls per game (1.7).
In the offensive phase, he made the most dribbles per game (1.8) of all the team members. And unlike the fouls he commits, he's also the most fouled per game (2.5). Although Kone is not a scoring midfielder - his best season in that regard was the 3 goals he scored for Toulouse in 2020/21 - his ball progress stats could make him a winner. ideal candidate for Klopp's system.
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What did they say about him?
Speaking after Kone's debut for Gladbach in September 2021, his then-manager Adi Hutter explained how the Frenchman could fit in at Liverpool.
I said:
"He's a player with a lot of potential. I think he'll form a very good central midfield trio with Denis Zakaria and Jonas Hofmann. So funny."
And in a June 2022 report, scouting website Breaking the Lines detailed:
“Kone has been one of the most impressive players in the Bundesliga this season [2021/22], demonstrating his versatility, fitness and technique.
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"At 1m66, Kone is an imposing figure in midfield, but he also possesses great speed and agility. This allows him to cover many pitches and make an impact both in and out. defensively and offensively... Kone is a very good player, a good passer and has a great work ethic."
Why might Liverpool care?
The above indicates that Kone would be a great addition to Liverpool's three-man midfield - Klopp's preferred system during his time at Anfield. Advertisement
He will add an element of dynamism in the center of the pitch, with his ability to move between the two penalty areas, his pace of work and overall passing skill, meaning it should come as no surprise that Liverpool want signed him this summer.
Described by talkSPORT as 'a replacement for Jude Bellingham', he could certainly be a sensible option as the Reds look to rebuild their midfield.
What is the latest?
German outlet BILD claim the Red Devils have 'great' intentions to sign Kone and have begun negotiations when inquiring about the midfielder.
They are listed with an asking price of at least 40-45 million euros (about 34-38 million pounds). It is added that Gladbach is keen to negotiate a hefty fee to sell the midfielder, but is also wary of needing money quickly to fulfill their own ambitions in the transfer market, which would be 'already' Already'.
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