As is often the case during a World Cup, some players see their stock rise sharply, and the AS Roma midfielder is one of them. Arriving in the United States as the main deputy to the Rabiot-Tchouameni pairing, the Colombes-born player has seized his chance to show his impact on the biggest stage.
Italian media have been reporting for several weeks that the Giallorossi have put the Frenchman on the market. The reasoning is simple: Roma need to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, and Kone is one of the squad's players with significant market value.
Asked recently about his midfielder's future, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini said he would like Kone to stay, but that the club's financial situation could dictate otherwise.
"Kone played especially well in the first half of the season. His involvement was lower in the second half, and maybe that's why he arrived at the World Cup in better shape.
"Either way, he's established himself as a starter for the French national team, which shows his quality. Will he stay? I think the Financial Fair Play rules vary from club to club, they're not clearly defined. There's no denying Roma knew they had to balance the books.
"I hope Champions League qualification will be enough, but it's clear finances are crucial for clubs, so the situation will become clearer in the coming weeks."
If Kone does leave, Roma's board may not be as disappointed as Gasperini. That is because the value of the former Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder has shot up thanks to the World Cup. It is worth remembering Kone came close to joining Inter Milan last year for €35m.
Now, interested clubs will have to pay considerably more. According to Corriere dello Sport, Roma rejected a €40m offer from Atletico Madrid, and are now demanding at least €50-60m for the Frenchman. With PSG also said to be keeping tabs on him, Kone looks set to become a blockbuster sale for the Italian capital club.