Manu Koné wants to talk about the World Cup. Everyone else wants to talk about where he’ll be playing club football next season.
The 25-year-old French central midfielder has publicly stated he’s channeling all his energy toward representing France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with any decisions about his club future to follow afterward. A perfectly reasonable stance, except for the fact that his employer, AS Roma, has already made a decision of its own: placing Koné on the transfer list in May 2026.
Roma’s financial reality meets Koné’s rising stock
Roma listed Koné due to financial pressures, a move that speaks volumes about the Italian club’s current economic position. Koné only arrived in Rome in August 2024 on a five-year deal running through June 2029. Less than two years into that contract, the club has decided his value on the market outweighs his value on the pitch.
His current market valuation sits at around €50 million, which makes him one of Roma’s most liquid assets.
