Gladbach confirms pulled option for Manu Kone

Most valuable professional in the squad

Borussia Mönchengladbach can rely on the services of Manu Koné for longer than previously known. Or at least now has the prospect of a higher transfer fee for the midfielder. As the “Rheinische Post“ reports, the “Foals” have extended Koné’s contract, which is valid until 2025, by one year using an option. According to the newspaper, this was confirmed. “Sport Bild” had previously reported on corresponding plans.

Financial director Stephan Schippers had already indicated to “11Freunde” in the summer that the 22-year-old Frenchman had a “squeaky-clean contract” until 2026. Before the season, Koné was considered a candidate for sale; given his market value of 40 million euros – by far the highest in the squad – there was a considerable sum in the room. However, at the U21 European Championships in June, Koné suffered a sprained right knee and trauma to the kneecap and was out for a longer period.

Sports director Roland Virkus then said at the “Rhine Bundesliga summit” of the “RP”: “We have decided that Manu Koné will stay at Borussia. Of course, you can never rule out anything in football. If there is a horrendous offer, we would have to talk again. But actually the goal – and this has also been discussed with the boy – is that he stays and gets healthy here first.” Clubs like Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain were considered interested parties. “Manu sees that something is happening in Gladbach,” says Virkus. “And he might want to be part of it.”

Koné moved from FC Toulouse to Borussia in 2021 for 9 million euros. Since then, the right-footed player has made 62 appearances, four goals and two assists.

From 8 to 45 million: The most expensive departures from Borussia Mönchengladbach

15 Michaël Cuisance – 2019/20 for €8 million to FC Bayern

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As of: October 2023

14 Marko Marin – 2009/10 for €8.2 million to Werder

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13 Yann Sommer – 2022/23 for €9 million to FC Bayern

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12 Jonas Hofmann – 2023/24 for €10 million to Bayer 04

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11 Denis Zakaria – 2021/22 for €10.1m to Juventus

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8 Max Kruse – 2015/16 for €12 million to VfL Wolfsburg

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8 Mahmoud Dahoud – 2017/18 for €12 million to BVB

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8 Marc-André ter Stegen – 2014/15 for €12m to Barça

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7 Breel Embolo – 2022/23 for €12.5 million to AS Monaco

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6 Marcell Jansen – 2007/08 for €14 million to FC Bayern

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5 Jordan Beyer – to Burnley for €15m in 2023/24

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Purchase option pulled after loan

4 Marco Reus – 2012/13 for €17.1 million to BVB

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3 Jannik Vestergaard – 2018/19 to Southampton for €25m

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2 Thorgan Hazard – 2019/20 for €25.5 million to BVB

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1 Granit Xhaka – Joined Arsenal for €45m in 2016/17

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