Saudi Giants Al-Ahli Enter Fray for Roma’s Manu Kone Alongside Al-Hilal and Man Utd

FolioPitch.com – 23 July 2026 | The race for Roma midfielder Manu Kone is heating up as Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli have officially joined the pursuit. According to reports from Gianluigi Longari, relayed by AlfredoPedullà.com, Al-Ahli join Al-Hilal and Man Utd in race for Roma s Kone, but the Saudi side faces significant obstacles before any deal can materialize.

Al-Ahli have identified Kone as a key target alongside Paris Saint-Germain’s Idrissa Gueye, but the club must first offload French midfielder Enzo Millot before making any additions. This precondition is described as non-negotiable, with Al-Ahli’s management keen to balance their squad and financial books before pursuing high-profile signings. The interest from Al-Ahli join Al-Hilal and Man Utd in race for Roma s Kone underscores the growing competition for the 24-year-old French international, who has also attracted serious attention from Manchester United earlier in the summer transfer window.

Manchester United had previously turned to Kone after their agreed deal for Atalanta’s Ederson collapsed. The Premier League giants were prepared to meet Roma’s valuation of around €50 million, as the Italian club looks to comply with UEFA financial fair play regulations by selling key assets. However, United’s interest has since cooled, allowing Al-Hilal and now Al-Ahli to step into the frame. The Saudi clubs’ involvement adds a new layer of complexity to the transfer saga, with Al-Ahli join Al-Hilal and Man Utd in race for Roma s Kone reflecting the global appeal of the talented midfielder.

For a move to materialize, multiple conditions must be satisfied. First, Al-Ahli need to complete the sale of Enzo Millot, which could happen in the coming weeks. Second, they must open negotiations with Roma from scratch, as no formal talks have taken place yet. Third, and perhaps most crucially, Kone himself must approve a switch to Saudi Arabia. The France international has been on the radar of several European clubs, and a move to the Saudi Pro League would represent a significant career shift. Given his ambition to play at the highest level, Kone may be hesitant to leave Europe, especially with ongoing interest from the Premier League.

Roma, meanwhile, are open to selling Kone if the right offer arrives. The capital club is under pressure to balance its books and has already parted with several players this summer. A €50 million fee for Kone would provide a substantial boost to manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s transfer budget, though the coach has been pushing for attacking reinforcements rather than departures. Losing Kone would be a blow to Gasperini’s midfield plans, but the funds could accelerate the arrivals he has demanded.

Al-Ahli’s entry into the race is part of a broader trend of Saudi clubs targeting top European talent. Al-Hilal have also expressed interest in Kone, while Manchester United remain a potential suitor should they fail to secure other targets. As the transfer window progresses, the battle for Kone’s signature is likely to intensify, with Al-Ahli join Al-Hilal and Man Utd in race for Roma s Kone a recurring headline in football news.

For now, Kone’s future remains uncertain. The player is currently focused on his international career with France, but his representatives are weighing options from multiple leagues. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the midfielder stays in Europe or embarks on a new challenge in Saudi Arabia. With Roma holding out for a significant fee, any deal will require substantial financial commitment, something Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal are well positioned to provide.

In conclusion, the transfer saga of Manu Kone is a clear example of the shifting dynamics in global football, where Saudi clubs now compete directly with European giants for elite players. Al-Ahli join Al-Hilal and Man Utd in race for Roma s Kone, but the path to securing his services is fraught with conditions and competing interests. Whether the Frenchman ends up in Rome, Manchester, or Riyadh, his next move will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.