Klopp could finally replace Wijnaldum as Liverpool eye “monstrous” £40m “one-man army”
Liverpool FC are keen on making a move for Monchengladbach’s Kouadio Kone, who could bring Gini Wijnaldum days back at Anfield.
An update on Liverpool’s interest in Kouadio Kone during the current January transfer window has come to light.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the promising Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder is being pursued by several teams.
He Tweeted:
“Many top clubs are following French big talent Manu Kone. Been told summer is move, most likely plan for player, agents and ‘Gladbach.”
“FC Bayern, Newcastle, PSG and also Liverpool (Bellingham remains their n1 priority) are well informed on Kone’s situation.”
The printed version of Sport Bild, via GFNG, stated earlier this season that Monchengladbach is seeking at least €45 million (£40 million) for the Frenchman. And it is unclear at this time whether FSG would approve a trade at that price.
Kouadio Kone can act as a replacement for Wijnaldum
Gini Wijnaldum’s steady presence in the center of Liverpool’s midfield hasn’t been replaced. And this season, Jurgen Klopp’s midfield has been a glaring weakness for the Reds.
No player in the Premier League has started more than 13 times in center midfield. This includes Thiago, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Harvey Elliott, and James Milner.
Wijnaldum played 33 or more league games for the Reds every season during his five years at Anfield. And in his final two seasons with the team, he only missed one game.
The Dutchman contributed defensively to Liverpool’s midfield with 1.5 tackles and interceptions per game over the course of his career. He was a dependable passer with a lifetime pass accuracy of 88.5%.
Kone is a similar player in that he isn’t particularly creative or good at scoring goals in that position. But he is a calm passer who can also mix things up and regain possession for his team.
The 21-year-old has played for Gladbach in the Bundesliga this year, completing 87% of his passes tried while contributing 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game.
As seen by his defensive solid numbers this season, talent scout Jacek Kulig once called the jewel a “monstrous” player in the making and called Kone a “one-man army” following a match against Bayern Munich in 2021/22.
After breaking into the team and making 25 starts in 2021–2022, he has started 14 of his club’s 15 Bundesliga games under Daniel Farke this season. He is showing the ability to be a dependable and consistent midfielder as Wijnaldum was for Liverpool.
