Manchester United have captured their fifth summer signing following the arrival of 18-year-old Mali youth international Sekou Kone.
The teenage star caught the eye of multiple Premier League clubs following his showing at the Under-17 World Cup last year. But United have beaten the likes of Liverpool and Wolves to Kone’s signature, who is regarded as one of the brightest African talents.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the deal to Manchester United was completed yesterday on a contract worth around £1 million plus add-ons.
🔴🇲🇱 Sekou Kone to Manchester United was completed yesterday after exclusive news out of nowhere.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2024
Man Utd have been working on this deal for months in background to anticipate Ajax + two German clubs.
👀 2006 born Mali midfielder seen as top talent with view to the first team. pic.twitter.com/QU9BFNkD4E
The 18-year-old joins The Red Devils from Malian side Guidars FC and has been widely regarded as one of the most exciting African talents emerging from the continent.
The 2006-born talent is a defensive midfielder who has been linked with a handful of Premier League clubs in the last year, including Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He burst into the spotlight when he starred in Mali’s run to the semi-finals of the Under-17 World Cup in November 2023 and was deployed in midfield in each of the team’s seven games.
Despite his defensive prowess, he also highlighted his attacking flair to produce two assists as Mali went on to seal third place.
