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Koné returns to the starting lineup, but his future remains uncertain
·15 August 2026·45d ago

Koné returns to the starting lineup, but his future remains uncertain

Source: Forza Roma

Manu Koné will start for Roma in a friendly against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park this afternoon, his first appearance from the opening whistle since the World break. The midfielder's return is laden with significance given the transfer speculation that has surrounded him in recent months. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will use the match against the German club to assess Koné's form and chemistry with the rest of the squad as the club weighs whether to keep him as a cornerstone of next season's team or pursue a sale if an attractive offer materialises before the end of the month.

Koné has been under close scrutiny since last summer, when Inter made an approach exactly a year ago. Throughout the past season he remained the subject of ongoing speculation, with speculation intensifying in the latter stages of the campaign as Roma explored potential sales to address budget requirements. His performances in five World Cup matches have made him attractive to several clubs this summer. Manchester United, Chelsea and several Arab clubs, notably Al Ahli, have shown interest. Atlético Madrid submitted a concrete offer of €43 million, but Roma rejected it as insufficient.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

“E adesso? Quando oggi pomeriggio la Roma entrerà in campo al Signal Iduna Park di Dortmund, gli occhi dei tifosi giallorossi si poseranno soprattutto su di lui. Perché il ritorno dal 1' nella prestigiosa amichevole col Borussia di Manu Koné dopo le vacanze post Mondiale (e una settimana di…”

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

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