As the dust settles on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one name is dominating transfer speculation: Manu Koné. The French midfielder, who made his World Cup debut with the Bleus, is now at the center of a high-stakes football transfer saga that could see him leave Italy’s Serie A for new horizons.
Koné’s performances in Qatar—where he featured in five matches—caught the eye of Al-Ahli, the Saudi Pro League club that has reportedly reached out to AS Roma to inquire about a potential deal. While European giants like Manchester United and Atlético Madrid are also circling, the Saudi Arabian outfit appears to be making a serious push.
Premier League or Saudi Pro League: Where will Koné land?
The 24-year-old’s future is still uncertain, but one thing is clear: he has multiple options on the table. Manchester United, under new management, has emerged as the frontrunner, with Zinedine Zidane—a legend of French football—reportedly favoring a move to the Premier League. However, the allure of life-changing wages in the Saudi Pro League cannot be ignored, especially after the high-profile arrivals of stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in recent years.
A heartfelt message from Koné
While the transfer talks intensify, Koné took to social media to reflect on France’s World Cup campaign, which ended in disappointment after a semi-final defeat to Spain. His post captured both the pain of falling short and the pride of representing his country on the biggest stage:
« We didn’t achieve our goal… The days pass, but the pain remains. Seeing the disappointment in your eyes breaks my heart… But I’ll always be grateful for the chance to play in my first World Cup and wear the Bleus shirt. Glory to God, truly. I don’t think “thank you” is enough for the coach, the staff, and everyone who worked tirelessly to put us in the best conditions. We wanted to give you the best gift for your departure. We wanted to celebrate with all the French supporters, but that’s how things unfolded. With pride, faith, and your support, we’ll rise again. »
As the transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on Manu Koné—will he stay in Europe or take the leap to the Middle East? One thing is certain: his next move could redefine his career.