Manchester United agree deal with Guidars FC to sign Malian talent Sekou Kone
Manchester United have enjoyed an impressive summer transfer window, recruiting the likes of Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to give Erik ten Hag the tools to be successful this season.
After addressing the defensive and goalscoring issues of last season with the summer acquisitions, the Mancunian giants have shifted their focus towards improving the midfield unit. They have been working on a deal for Paris Saint-Germain enforcer Manuel Ugarte since July now.
After intense negotiations, it seems that the Erik ten Hag-managed club are close to completing the signing’ of Ugarte with PSG’s willingness to allow a loan move going ‘a long way to getting the deal over the line’. Apart from a potential deal for the Uruguayan star, the Red Devils have seemingly unearthed a gem from the transfer market.
According to a report from The Athletic, Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign defensive midfielder Sekou Kone from Malian side Guidars FC. The teenager will undergo his medical next week before putting pen to paper.
Regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in African football, Sekou Kone dazzled for Mali at the Under-17 World Cup last year. His eye-catching performances didn’t go unnoticed, as several clubs were vying for the defensive midfielder’s signature. However, it is Man United who have won the race for his signature.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has shed further light on the Kone deal. Taking to his official X a
ccount, the Italian has reported that the Malian’s switch to the Theatre of Dreams is ‘100% agreed and done’. Man United will pay £1 million up front—plus several performance-based add-ons—with the potential acquisition of the highly-ratedteenager viewed as a ‘smart investment’.
“More on exclusive news on Sekou Kone to join Manchester United. Deal 100% agreed and done, documents will be signed after medical next week. £1m transfer fee plus several add-ons based on performances. 2006-born Mali international talent considered as smart investment,” Romano tweeted.
Kone is often deployed as a holding midfielder, an area Ten Hag and INEOS have looked to strengthen throughout the summer transfer window. As Man United remain in advanced negotiations with PSG for Ugarte, INEOS’ plan is to allow the Mali prodigy to flourish in the Under-21’s set-up while he adapts to life in England.
If he proves too good to compete in the reserves side, Ten Hag and his coaching staff may decide to fast-track Kone’s development by involving him in the first team and handing him minutes in cup competitions. There will also be an option to send the teenager out on loan in England or anywhere across Europe to help him gain first-team experience and get used to the intensity.
More Manchester United News-
- How could Manchester United line up against Brighton & Hove Albion? | Premier League 2024/25
- Manchester United to offload £250,000 per week star as Barcelona eye loan deal
- Manchester United struggle to offload £150,000 per week star
All in all, Man United luring one of the top talents in African football is promising evidence of the direction the club heading under INEOS. Bagging Kone’s signature for just £1 million up front is an investment that could pay rich dividends in the future for us.
