Al-Ahli eye World Cup star Manu Kone in bid to replace Enzo Millot

Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli are targeting France World Cup midfielder Manu Kone as a high-profile replacement for Enzo Millot – but any move hinges on offloading the out-of-favour playmaker this summer.

French World Cup standout on Al-Ahli shortlist

Italian journalist Gianluca Longari has reported that Al-Ahli have identified Kone, currently at Roma, as their primary candidate to succeed compatriot Millot in midfield.

Kone, 25, attracted significant attention during the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He featured in five matches for France, starting four of them, and impressed largely through his work-rate and presence in central midfield, despite not registering a goal or an assist.

His performances have drawn interest from several major European clubs, placing Al-Ahli in direct competition with some of the continent’s elite. Arsenal, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid are understood to be among the sides monitoring the Roma midfielder’s situation.

Millot frozen out of Al-Ahli plans

Reports in Saudi Arabia state that Al-Ahli’s Portuguese sporting director, Rui Pedro, has decided to exclude Millot from his plans for next season and has instructed the club to search for a replacement.

Millot joined Al-Ahli from Stuttgart last summer and initially made a strong impact in the Saudi Pro League. Over the course of the season he played 40 matches in all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists.

However, his form is said to have dipped in the latter stages of the campaign, contributing to the club’s decision to move him on. So far, though, the Frenchman has not received any concrete offers, complicating Al-Ahli’s transfer strategy.

The club’s ability to recruit a new foreign midfielder is believed to depend on first creating space in the squad and on the wage bill by securing Millot’s departure during the current transfer window.

Idrissa Gueye also under consideration

Longari added, via his official account on social platform X, that Al-Ahli are also exploring the possibility of signing Senegal international Idrissa Gueye as an alternative midfield option.

Gueye became a free agent after leaving Everton at the end of last season following the expiry of his contract. The 34-year-old, known for his ball-winning and defensive discipline in midfield, has extensive experience in the Premier League and at Paris St-Germain.

The Saudi club are understood to see Gueye as a potential complementary or fallback option should their pursuit of Kone stall, although both deals are believed to be contingent on resolving Millot’s future.

Competition from Europe could derail Kone move

Al-Ahli’s push for Kone faces significant obstacles beyond their internal squad management. The midfielder’s age, World Cup exposure and current profile in Serie A make him a highly attractive proposition for top European clubs.

Interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid – all clubs able to offer Champions League or top-tier European competition, as well as the chance to remain in one of Europe’s major leagues – could prove decisive in Kone’s decision-making.

For Al-Ahli, securing a player of Kone’s calibre would represent another statement signing for the Saudi Pro League, but they must first find a buyer for Millot and then overcome fierce competition from Europe before any deal can be completed.