Al-Ahli join Al-Hilal and Man Utd in race for Roma's Kone
Quick summary
Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli have entered the race to sign Roma midfielder Kone, joining Al-Hilal and Manchester United in pursuit of the player.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceAl-Ahli’s interest in Manu Kone has been confirmed, but the Saudi club face significant hurdles before any move for the Roma midfielder can take shape.
According to Gianluigi Longari, as relayed by AlfredoPedullà.com , Al-Ahli have Kone on their list alongside Idrissa Gueye, but they must first offload Enzo Millot before adding to their midfield. That outgoing is described as a non-negotiable precondition for any incoming business.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 22: Manu Kone #6 of France and Youssef Amyn #7 of Iraq compete for the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) Kone must approve any Saudi move as Roma await offers Even with that resolved, two further steps would remain. A negotiation with Roma would have to begin from scratch, and Kone himself would need to open the door to a switch to Saudi Arabia , no small consideration for a France international who has been the subject of Premier League interest this summer.
Manchester United emerged as suitors earlier in the window, turning to the Frenchman after their agreed deal for Atalanta’s Ederson collapsed, with Roma reportedly open to a sale at around €50 million as they look to balance the books under UEFA scrutiny.
For Gian Piero Gasperini, who has been pressing for attacking reinforcements rather than departures, losing Kone would be a significant blow, though the funds generated could accelerate the arrivals the coach has demanded.
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What happened
Al-Ahli have become the latest club to express interest in Roma's Kone, adding a third major suitor to the transfer chase. Both Al-Hilal and Manchester United were already tracking the midfielder, with the Saudi clubs potentially offering significant financial packages. The competition between suitors could drive up Kone's price tag, while Roma will be weighing whether to cash in on the player. No formal bid has been confirmed, and the story remains at the rumor stage.
Chance analysis
Three-club transfer competitions for Serie A-based players typically benefit the selling club through price inflation. For Roma, this interest represents a potential capital gain, but losing a midfielder to either a Premier League heavyweight or a Saudi Pro League side weakens squad depth. Manchester United's involvement suggests they see Kone as a squad option, while Saudi interest signals the continued PIF-driven recruitment strategy targeting Serie A talent.
Roma risk losing a squad midfielder; potential arrival at Man Utd would add midfield depth, while Saudi clubs continue to target Serie A talent.
Monitor Kone's status at Roma closely; if he leaves, Roma's midfield depth weakens and Manchester United's midfield options expand.