United risk losing another top midfield target as new rival storms into race, INEOS can’t compete – Sky Sport

Manchester United risk losing out on two key targets in as many days to the Saudi Pro League after Al-Ahli launched a raid for AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné, according to a new report. Once Bitten, Twice Shy? Having been priced out of moves for Yan Diomande and Morgan Rogers, the Red Devils had identified West Ham United wizard Crysencio Summerville as the leading target for the left wing. The 24-year-old Netherlands international, who impressed for Ronald Koeman’s side at the World Cup after returning four goal contributions in four games, is a versatile threat, capable of playing on either flank. Old Trafford chiefs were understood to value Summerville at £30 million, with hope of a cut-price deal following West Ham’s relegation. However, the East London club refused to budge on their £50 million valuation, creating a stalemate. Aston Villa and AS Roma were also suitors, with the Italian giant even making a formal offer worth around £39 million. But Al-Hilal blew their rivals, including United, out of the water with a massive offer yesterday, worth a potential £60 million – which West Ham have accepted. Yet in another twist, Al-Ahli – Al-Hilal’s rivals in the Saudi Pro League, with the two sides finishing three points apart last season – have now stormed into the race for Koné, another target under consideration at Old Trafford. Al-Ahli prepare to strike Sacha Tavolieri (Sky Sport Switzerland) reveals Al-Ahli are in direct talks with Roma over the 25-year-old midfielder, who impressed at the World Cup for France. “According to Sky Sport CH, Al-Ahli Saudi Club has directly contacted AS Roma to inquire about Manu Koné’s price. The Saudi club has shown a concrete interest in the French midfielder, whose performances at the World Cup have convinced the club’s management to make a move.” Koné is one of a number of options Manchester United are assessing as their third signing in midfield, having already struck deals for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Standing 6’1″ with pace and power in equal measure, the Colombes native fits the bill for what INEOS are looking for stylistically as they look to replace Casemiro, even if he lacks the Premier League experience the hierarchy prefer. Kone has established himself as one of the best box-to-box dynamos in Serie A, having signed for Roma from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2024 for around £15 million, initially joining on loan before a permanent deal was struck twelve months. He is now said to be worth £50m. Manu Kone Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Serie A2928232-2,459′ UEFA Europa League75–1-266′ Italy Cup10—-33′ Total3733233-2,758′ Source: Transfermarkt. The Sky Sport reporter confirms the Red Devils are “monitoring” the midfielder, while Atletico Madrid are another admirer who made checks on him in April. The competition for his signature is described as “significant”. The former Borussia Mönchengladbach man “currently favours a project in the Premier League over La Liga” – a major boost for United. However, it is understood he is “not ruling out a move to Saudi Arabia,” which explains Al-Ahli’s decision to open talks. Final Thoughts When a Saudi Pro League club makes a move for a player in their prime in a top five league, it is not a question of whether a deal can be struck, or if contract terms can be agreed. The riches on offer in Saudi Arabia make transfer fees and wage proposals afterthoughts; the only box which needs to be ticked is whether that player is willing to swap Europe for the Middle East at the peak of their career. Manchester United’s pursuit of Summerville has effectively ended because the Dutchman appears willing to do so. If Koné is also prepared to greenlight the switch, there is nothing INEOS will be able to offer him that comes close to what Al-Ahli can put on the table. Indeed, it is understood United are still weighing up whether they can afford to launch their own move for Kone, despite the Frenchman’s preference being a switch to England. This is not a problem in Jeddah. Feature image Kevin C. Cox via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.