Manchester United sign Manu Kone to strengthen midfield

Manchester United's leadership has finalized an agreement with French midfielder Manu Kone, according to the latest information reported by Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness. The Manchester club, in the midst of a rebuilding phase under the guidance of Michael Carrick, continues its summer recruitment policy with this new signing in midfield.

At 25 years old, Manu Kone has established himself as a key player for the French national team this summer during the World Cup in North America. Filling in for the injured Eduardo Camavinga, he started both knockout-phase matches against Paraguay and Morocco, ahead of young talents like Warren Zaire-Emery or established players such as N'Golo Kanté. His versatile profile and consistency at club level—where he moved from the Bundesliga to Serie A—have made him a top target for several major European clubs. According to Transfermarkt, his market value is estimated at €50 million. While the Italian media suggests a transfer fee of €60 million, Sport Witness reports that €45 million plus bonuses could be enough to convince AS Roma to let him go. Manchester United, which has already signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this summer, is looking to bolster its midfield before the Champions League resumes. Michael Carrick, who has already integrated four new signings since his arrival, sees Kone as a player capable of compensating for Casemiro’s departure and strengthening his squad depth. The prospect of a return to European competition, combined with a tactical system change, has convinced the English manager to invest in an additional profile. The Manchester club, which also targeted Ederson from Atalanta before a last-minute failure, could still strike for defensive or offensive profiles. Kone, currently on vacation, has also caught the attention of Arsenal, where his name is circulating in case of a failure to sign Bruno Guimarães. The French midfielder, pursued by the Saudi Pro League, now has the opportunity to join an ambitious Premier League club. Manchester United, which will begin its 2026/27 season with an away trip to Hull City, is banking on this reinforcement to return to the top of European football. With Santos, Tielemans, Darlow, and Thompson already integrated into the squad, Carrick can rely on a solid foundation for the new season. A deal for Kone would complete a puzzle already well underway, even though the Red Devils have faced setbacks such as the failed move for Ederson or the departures of Elliot Anderson and Matheus Fernandes to rivals. The club, which has also lost Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo, may still recruit a full-back or striker to cover all positions. If finalized, Manu Kone’s transfer would mark a key step in Manchester United’s rebuilding process, with the stated ambition of becoming a serious contender in England and Europe. A new era is beginning for the club, with ambitions matching its financial means.