Al-Ahli’s interest in Manu Kone has been confirmed, but the Saudi club faces significant hurdles before any move for the Roma midfielder can take shape.

According to Gianluigi Longari, as relayed by AlfredoPedullà.com, Al-Ahli have Kone on their list alongside Idrissa Gueye, but they must first offload Enzo Millot before adding to their midfield. That outgoing is described as a non-negotiable precondition for any incoming business.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 22: Manu Kone #6 of France and Youssef Amyn #7 of Iraq compete for the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

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Kone must approve any Saudi move as Roma await offers

Even with that resolved, two further steps would remain. A negotiation with Roma would have to begin from scratch, and Kone himself would need to open the door to a switch to Saudi Arabia, no small consideration for a France international who has been the subject of Premier League interest this summer.

Manchester United emerged as suitors earlier in the window, turning to the Frenchman after their agreed deal for Atalanta’s Ederson collapsed, with Roma reportedly open to a sale at around €50 million as they look to balance the books under UEFA scrutiny.

For Gian Piero Gasperini, who has been pressing for attacking reinforcements rather than departures, losing Kone would be a significant blow, though the funds generated could accelerate the arrivals the coach has demanded.