Manchester United are set to formally complete the signing of Sekou Kone this week, as Erik ten Hag’s team beat strong competition to sign the starlet.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the transfer could be officially announced on Friday as the Red Devils finalise a deal for the teenager.
The Malian midfielder will add to an exciting collection of young talent at Old Trafford alongside the likes of Leny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, but who exactly is the imminent Manchester United signing?
Who is Sekou Kone?
Kone is an 18-year-old defensive midfielder who has caught the eye of Manchester United’s recruitment team with impressive performances for Mali at youth level. He currently plays his club football for Guidars FC in his homeland. He began his career in the JMC Academy, which also helped produce Tottenham midfielder and compatriot Yves Bissouma.
Other notable products of the JMC Academy at different projects across the world include
Borussia Dortmund defender Ramy Bensebaini, Belgium international Jason Denayer and Algeria right-back Youcef Atal.
🔴🇲🇱 Manchester United will formally complete Sékou Kone deal today as 2006 born midfielder is undergoing medical tests right now.
Deal already done and signed between clubs.
Exclusive story, confirmed. 🤝🏻 pic.twitter.com/T0MKHqNsCM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2024
What position does Sekou Kone play?
Kone, who was born in 2006, predominantly operates as a defensive or deep-lying central midfielder. He has formed part of a talented Mali team at youth level, where the u-17 side finished third at the 2023 u-17 World Cup, beating Argentina in the process.
Earlier in the year, Mali reached the semi-finals of the u-17 Africa Cup of Nations with Kone named in the Team of the Tournament.
A ball-winner with an ability to push forward when required, he has earned lofty comparisons to former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure.
How much will Sekou Kone cost?
No transfer fee has been specified for the deal, though it is believed that Manchester United will pay a fee of around £1.2m for the player, who is expected to go into the club’s development squad.
He will be the latest eye-catching youth addition for the Red Devils, following the signing of prolific forward Chido Obi Martin from Premier League rivals Arsenal. Both players will begin with the youth sides at Manchester United, though could be handed sporadic first-team opportunities.
Kone will become the 13th African footballer to represent Manchester United should he make a first-team appearance and will join Andre Onana (Cameroon), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) and Noussair Mazrouai (Morocco) in the current squad.
