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Sports July 25, 2026

Manchester United Board Raises Doubt Over £51m Kone Transfer

Manchester United Board Raises Doubt Over £51m Kone Transfer

Manchester United is pursuing a transfer for AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone, but the club’s hierarchy is divided over the move. The club has already secured Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this summer and is looking to add a third midfielder before the new Premier League season begins.

United’s shortlist also includes Brighton’s Alex Scott and Tyler Adams, and the club is monitoring the availability of Aurelien Tchouameni should Real Madrid consider a sale.

Kone, 25, was part of France’s World Cup squad that fell to Spain in the semi‑finals earlier this month. His performances on the international stage have attracted interest from several Premier League clubs.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 22: Manu Kone #6 of France during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I football match between France and Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA, United States. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

Reports indicate that United have reached personal terms with Kone, though a transfer fee has yet to be agreed. Roma is reportedly demanding a €60 million payment for the midfielder.

Not all members of United’s recruitment team support the Kone target, and there are lingering reservations about a potential move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. Brighton placed a £100 million price tag on Baleba last summer after a season of mixed performances.

In pre‑season action, United defeated Rosenborg 5‑0 in Norway. Manager Michael Carrick praised the team’s progress, noting the return of several players from international duty and the importance of maintaining fitness and patience ahead of the season.

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 16 - Paraguay v France - Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. - July 4, 2026 France's Manu Kone arrives at the stadium before the match REUTERS/Jeenah Moon

United’s transfer strategy reflects a focus on strengthening midfield depth while balancing squad dynamics in preparation for the upcoming campaign.

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