Manchester United pressing Roma over Koné as club eyes major sale to balance books

Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement with Roma for midfielder Manu Koné, according to former Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand. Koné impressed for France at the World Cup despite the team's 0–2 semi-final loss to Spain, attracting interest from several European clubs. Roma are open to selling key players to balance the books, and Koné represents a significant profit opportunity. He was acquired for less than €19 million two years ago. As of 30 June 2026, his book value stands at €11.8 million. A sale around €50 million would generate a profit of €39.2 million. Combined with savings on his gross salary (€5.2 million) and the remaining amortisation charge (€3.8 million), the total positive impact on Roma's 2026–27 accounts would be approximately €48.2 million.

AS Roma has completed contract negotiations with Zeki Çelik, with the defender's new deal already signed and an official announcement expected soon. The club is simultaneously progressing renewals with three other key players: Lorenzo Pellegrini, Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante. Negotiations with Pellegrini are ongoing as both parties work towards agreement on fresh terms for the midfielder. Mancini and Cristante have both reached verbal agreement with Roma and are expected to sign new contracts barring any last-minute complications. The club considers Mancini untouchable despite recent speculation linking him to Inter, with Roma having registered no concrete interest from the Nerazzurri. The defender remains a cornerstone of the project. These renewals follow Paulo Dybala's contract extension through 2027, part of Roma's broader effort to secure their squad's core players.

Fenerbahçe confirmed the signing of Mason Greenwood on Wednesday, ending Roma's pursuit of the English forward. Greenwood was long linked with Roma, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini pushing to bring him to the club, but ultimately chose Turkey after being offered a salary of 10 million euros—a figure beyond Roma's budget. Marseille director of sport Gregory Lorenzi addressed the transfer in a press conference, shedding light on why the deal fell through for the Italian capital. "Greenwood's image makes the situation complex, which is why he didn't have many options available," Lorenzi said. "The player wanted to leave as soon as possible and we sought a solution together. We intended to sell him for 70–80 million euros, but the market didn't value the player at that level. Ultimately the club obtained the conditions it had set itself. I understand the fans—he was a loved player—but you cannot keep a footballer who doesn't want to stay." The move represents a significant setback for Roma's attacking ambitions this window, with the financial gap between the club's offer and Greenwood's demands proving insurmountable.