Man City target Manu Koné for £51M after Manchester United withdraw from the race
Manchester City have identified Roma's French midfielder Manu Koné as their top target to bolster their midfield before the transfer window closes. Bouaddi and Enzo Fernández are also on their shortlist.
Manchester City have identified Roma's French midfielder Manu Koné as their top target to bolster their midfield in the final two weeks of the transfer window. Enzo Maresca need more options following the departures of Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Tijjani Reijnders.
The Guardian reports that City have Koné on their shortlist. Although they've already signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million, the club need more experience and dynamism in midfield.
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The essentials in 5 points
- Koné costs £51M after its price increased thanks to the 2026 World Cup.
- City has funds due to the sales of Reijnders (Al-Qadsiah) and Rodri (Barcelona).
- Bouaddi close for £85M: 18-year-old midfielder from Lille, considered a future prospect.
- Enzo Fernández ruled out after his release clause expired without a formal offer.
- Debut against Bournemouth on August 23 while Maresca awaits reinforcements.
Koné, Bouaddi and Enzo Fernández: the list of three names
Manu Koné 's market value skyrocketed after his performances for France at the 2026 World Cup. The Frenchman played in 5 of his country's 8 matches and won all 4 he started. His price rose to £51 million, which apparently deterred Manchester United.
City , on the other hand, is well-positioned to meet the financial demands, especially after generating substantial funds from recent sales. Maresca wants immediate, elite experience.
Ayyoub Bouaddi , the 18-year-old midfielder from Lille, is close to signing for £85 million. He is seen as a prospect for the future, but Maresca wants someone with immediate experience like Koné. The club also maintains interest in Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez , but the internal deadline for his release clause passed without a formal offer.
What's next for Manchester City?
Enzo Maresca and his squad are preparing to open the new Premier League season against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on August 23.
Off the pitch, Hugo Viana faces two frantic weeks in the transfer market. City must quickly finalize their remaining departures and submit a formal offer to Roma if they want to sign Koné before the end of September.
“It’s important for people to understand that I’m a guy who likes to joke around, but I’m also extremely focused and, on the pitch, I give everything for my teammates, the fans, and the club. That will never change, because it’s been a part of me since I was little.”
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| Pos | Player | Cost · Origin |
|---|---|---|
| TIME | Elliot anderson | £116M · Nottingham Forest |
| MED | Ayyoub Bouaddi | £85M (pending) · Lille |
| MED | Manu Kone | £51M (target) · Rome |
| MED | Enzo Fernandez | Expired clause · Chelsea |
Manchester City's midfield transfer plan for 2026/27. Source: GOAL.
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Maresca needs more reinforcements to defend the Premier League title. Check out the odds for the Premier League champion, top 4 finishers, and Man City matches at Afun MX.
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