Sport Update: Manchester United agree deal to sign Sekou Kone, what you need to know

Manchester United are set to sign Mali wonderkid Sekou Kone, it has been revealed. ..Read Full Article

Kone, 18, is set to join from Guidars FC, a club in his homeland, with the move another sign of commitment to signing youth talent.

Romano compared Manchester United’s move for Kone to the swoop for Arsenal wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin.

Fabrizio Romano broke the news via X, writing: “Man United agree deal to sign 2006 born Mali international talent Sekou Kone from Guidars FC, here we go! Koné was on the list of several clubs but United have agreed deal today.

“Considered top talent, he’s part of long term plans similar to Chido Obi Martin.”

🚨🔴 EXCLUSIVE: Man United agree deal to sign 2006 born Mali international talent Sékou Koné from Guidars FC, here we go!

Koné was on the list of several clubs but United have agreed deal today. 🇲🇱

Considered top talent, he’s part of long term plans similar to Chido Obi Martin. pic.twitter.com/WywZyfyIp7

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 22, 2024

Sekou Kone, young midfield star

Sekou Kone is a young defensive midfielder who impressed at the under-17s World Cup for Mali in 2023. He provided two assists at the tournament.

He has 12 caps for his country at under-17s level, with his country beating Argentina in the third place play-off.

Kone developed at the JMG academy in Mali, which counts Amadou Haidara and Yves Bissouma among its graduates.

United beat competition for Kone

German outlet Fussball News claimed last month that Manchester United were following Kone.

United were said to be facing competition from Wolves, RB Salzburg, and Crystal Palace.

Kone was praised last year by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who praised his combination of pace, positioning and vision, and compared him in style to former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien.

TALENT OF THE DAY

Sekou Kone
Age: 17
Country: 🇲🇱
Height: 176cm
Club: Guidars FC
Position: DM/CM
Player role: modern holding midfielder
Strengths: pace, passing, vision, technique, positioning, tackling, athleticism, work rate
Foot: right
Similar type of player: Michael Essien… pic.twitter.com/R06lfAEU2Z

— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) December 27, 2023

Manchester United are yet to confirm the deal officially, with the move subject to international clearance.