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Considered one of France's brightest young prospects, Manu Kone began his career in his homeland with numerous sides such as Paris FC, Boulogne-Billancourt before finally transferring to Toulouse in 2016. A few years later, he had already forced his way into Toulouse's first-team and the eyes of Europe watched as this now 22-year-old midfielder captivated Ligue 1 with numerous impressive displays.
Paris St Germain and Lyon, arguably two of France's biggest clubs in more recent times both expressed interest in signing the Colombes-born player, but ultimately were unable to agree a fee with Toulouse. Instead, a surprise suitor in Borussia Monchengladbach emerged, and the player's representatives were able to tie up a deal that guaranteed the youngster first-team football and important exposure to a foreign league in the Bundesliga.
In 2021-22, Kone played 27 Bundesliga games and followed that up in 2022-23 with 30 further appearances in the German top flight. He also weighed in with four goals and several assists, and numerous man of the match performances for his current club. Kone is a tough-tackling, versatile midfielder, able to play in defensive or attacking midfield, but his preferred position is as a balanced central midfielder helping to break up opposition attacks and on occasion, as a playmaker.
His value, according to Transfermarkt, is today 40 million euros. However, with international caps on the way, expect that to sky rocket and a possible move to another club elsewhere. PSG are of course long-term suitors in Kone, and are always seeking to add young assets to their squad.
Despite having played for France's youth sides, he has yet to break his way into Didier Deschamps' squad, but that is likely coming in the very near future.
The player, who has two years left on his contract in Germany, is being monitored by both Real Madrid and Barcelona, such is his progression at this time.
In terms of Kone's best attributes, his passing and tackling both are exceptional. He is strong, and a handy defensive player as demonstrated when deployed as an anchorman in Monchengladbach.
Eyefootball believes that this position is likely to be his preferred position in the near future, should a top club come in for him on the transfer market.
EYEFOOTBALL RATING
Current Rating: 40/50
Potential Rating: 47/50
Written by Ketan Patel
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