Gladbach departure confirmed: Manu Koné moves to AS Roma

Manu Koné, here during training on August 26, 2024, is leaving Borussia Mönchengladbach. The Frenchman is joining AS Roma.

Copyright: IMAGO/fohlenfoto

It feels like an eternity that there has been speculation about his departure from Gladbach, but now it is official: Manu Koné (23) is leaving the Fohlen and joining AS Roma. Borussia made the deal official on “Deadline Day” (Friday, August 30, 2024).

The Frenchman will be bought out by the traditional Italian club from his contract, which is valid until 2026, and the Romans will pay a double-digit million transfer fee to the Lower Rhine club. Including possible bonus payments, this is likely to be just over 20 million euros.

Borussia Mönchengladbach: Departure of Manu Koné is official

Gladbach signed Koné from FC Toulouse for a transfer fee of nine million euros in January 2021. The midfielder then played for his youth club on loan for another six months before joining Borussia in the summer.

However, part of the deal at the time was also a resale fee. GladbachLIVE knows: Borussia will have to transfer a not inconsiderable part of the Koné transfer fee to France. Nevertheless, the Frenchman’s departure will of course provide a much-needed plus in Gladbach’s transfer coffers. The Foals had previously invested a total of eight million euros in transfer fees for Tim Kleindienst (28, Heidenheim) and Philipp Sander (26, Kiel).

Sporting director Roland Virkus (57) says: “Manu Koné has shown what an outstanding player he is, not only with us but also recently at the Olympic Games.” And even though we don’t like to lose such quality, this transfer is symbolic of our path. We would like to thank Manu for his time on the Lower Rhine and wish him all the best for his sporting and private future.”

In 86 games for Gladbach, the midfielder scored six goals and provided four assists. However, the Foals and the silver medalist from the most recent Olympic Games, who was only called up to his country’s senior national team for the first time on Thursday (29 August), are now parting ways.

Meanwhile, Roma coach Daniele De Rossi (41) is said to have been a fan for some time. Gladbach had already rested their midfielder in the last Bundesliga opener against champions Bayer Leverkusen (2:3, August 23) in order not to jeopardize a transfer through a possible injury.

According to Italian media reports, a meeting of the club bosses took place late on Thursday afternoon. But the breakthrough was only achieved on deadline day. Koné then signed with the club, which finished sixth in Serie A last season, until 2029.

Meanwhile, Borussia Mönchengladbach does not need to add to its central midfield. With Sander, vice-captain Julian Weigl (28), Rocco Reitz (22), Kevin Stöger (31) and Florian Neuhaus (27), there is still enough trained personnel.

Koné’s transfer saga has now come to an end. In recent months, the Frenchman has been linked with countless clubs. Paris St. Germain, AC Milan and Newcastle United were said to be interested in the Gladbach professional. Now it is also clear: Koné will play for Roma in Italy.