Bayern Munich are willing to fork out €40-45 million to bring Manu Kone in January, although they face competition from Liverpool.
According to Fichajes, Bayern Munich is eager to get ahead in the race for Manu Kone in January. The Bavarians are reportedly willing to pay €40-45 million to sign the 22-year-old Liverpool target, with the Merseysiders also keen on signing the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder.
Bayern Munich and Liverpool battle for Manu Kone
Manu Kopne had attracted a lot of interest from big clubs during the summer, but an untimely injury might have played a role in scuppering a transfer. The Frenchman had Liverpool’s interest, while others like Chelsea and Newcastle United might have considered an approach.
Borussia Monchengladbach are aware that clubs might return with approaches and could open their doors for a sale. Bayern Munich are open to paying €40-45 million to sign Kone in January, as the suggestions reportedly came after Thomas Tuchel identified the Frenchman as a critical target for the winter window.
Bayern held an interest in another Liverpool target Joao Palhinha and even agreed on a deal with Fulham, only for the early closure of the German window to block a move. They are unlikely to return for the Portuguese midfielder and will mind the cost of acquiring the 28-year-old.
Instead, they are focused on a younger midfielder, but Kone and Palhinha have different profiles. Liverpool are also interested in Kone and can ensure a battle with Bayern over in January. The Reds may have looked at the 22-year-old during the summer but eventually signed Ryan Gravenberch, with both those stars carrying a similar profile.
Hence, there are doubts whether Liverpool will pursue Kone with any vigour, considering they need a holding midfielder more than someone like the Frenchman’s profile.
Thomas Tuchel’s eyes change in midfield.
Bayern allowed Gravenberch to leave the club for Liverpool in the summer and has not managed to replace him. In the pursuit of Palhinha showed, the German boss needed a holding midfielder on priority. Hence, the pursuit of Kone should be seen as an attempt to replace Gravenberch rather than bringing in a defensive midfielder.
Hence, the reason Bayern might be willing to pay a decent fee to get him from their Bundesliga counterparts. As for Liverpool, they are still figuring out their proper midfield shape for the long term. In the pursuit of Kone, PSG are also a part, and compared to the two other sides in the chase, they could offer him better terms and conditions.
