The Malick Fofana file has entered the annals of the craziest transfers of the last day of the transfer window, with its multiple twists and turns and its inglorious underbelly. But he is not the only one to have had a hectic day. Manu Koné, the 25-year-old French international, also experienced great disillusionment, concluding with a new year with AS Roma.
Xabi Alonso was convinced
However, his good World Cup with the France team should have guaranteed him a monumental transfer this summer. It didn’t happen, even if he thought he was going to Chelsea in recent days. The story of this failed movement once again symbolizes the madness of the transfer window. It all started when Chelsea accepted the idea of letting Enzo Fernandez leave and worked on replacing him. Firstly, the London club activated the Lamine Camara track. Then in the process that leading to the French midfielder of Roma.
Xabi Alonso, the Blues coach, takes his phone to speak with the player, and is convinced that he is the ideal profile. He even gets information from Kylian Mbappé, his former player at Real Madrid, who praises his French teammate. While the Lamine Camara file is considered difficult due to numerous leaks, Chelsea are moving forward much more discreetly on Manu Koné, for whom discussions are taking place from owner to owner. Which does not prevent some tensions.
A turnaround in money time
Because Roma is asking for much more at the end of the transfer window, namely €70 million, than what it asked for at the start of the summer, rather around €45 million. Chelsea offered €52 million, including bonus, which was refused. Eager to recruit the Frenchman, whatever the cost, the London club reached an agreement at €70 million. It is September 1st, and Roma must find a replacement, the last condition to validate the transfer. Hastily, the Louve club got busy, calling Youssouf Fofana (AC Milan) and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg (OM) but receiving refusals.
And that’s where the story changes. Due to a lack of a quality replacement, Roma coach Gasperini vetoes and refuses to let his French international leave. The latter, linked until 2029 with the Italian club, is therefore forced to stay, even though he had also agreed with the Blues on the outlines of a contract. He will have to digest this false start and have another good season, which should open the doors to the Premier League for him.
