OM are reportedly in the process of attracting young Watford midfielder Ismaël Koné, on the Canebière. A potential second summer recruit after Lilian Brassier. But who is he?
Professional for three seasons
Kone studied in Canada, in the small club CS Saint-Laurent. He finished in third place in the Canadian under-17 championship in 2019. After promising performances during this season, his agent sent him for trials in Europe. Ultimately, the midfielder was forced to return to Canada because of the Covid pandemic.
On his return, Kone begins training with the CF Montreal team. Impressed by the qualities of the young midfielder, the club’s leaders quickly offered him a two-year contract. For its first season, Kone asserts itself within the Canadian team. He played 32 matches, including 24 as a starter, scoring 4 goals and providing 5 assists. A very successful season which also opened the doors to the national team.
During the 2022/23 winter transfer window, the young midfielder is flying to England. Kone signed with Watford for a sum of 8 million euros, becoming the biggest transfer in the history of CF Montreal. The Canadian international joined the starting lineup in his first match. Author of notable performances, he still played 17 matches, including 14 as a starter, during the second part of the season.
2023/24 is a big season for the midfielder. Kone played 46 games, including 31 as a starter. He scored 4 goals and also provided 3 assists. But above all, the Abidjan native impressed in the game. He shines with his physical and technical qualities, both in recovery and on the other side of the field.
Koné is one step away from OM
While several Marseille midfielders should pack up (Veretout, Gueye, Kondogbia…), OM decided to bet on the young Ismaël Koné. The 22-year-old midfielder, currently in the United States to play the Copa América with Canada, reportedly spoke with the tandem Longoria–Benatia regarding a contract of several years. According to The Teaman agreement is even close to being reached with the leaders of Watford for a sum of around 12 million euros.
The Canadian international would have even refused more expensive offers from several European clubs, including AS Roma and West Ham, in order to settle down in Marseille. The name of Roberto De Zerbi as an Olympian coach would have tipped the scales in favor of OM.
Very physical midfielder, Kone is an excellent recruit for the Marseille club. A key player in recovery and recovery, the young midfielder is also comfortable in attack. Despite his height (1m88), Kone displays excellent speed and impressive acceleration ability. His ability to read the game, anticipate opposing movements and organize his teammates makes him a technical leader on the pitch.
With Brassier and Koné, OM have made two very good moves at the start of the transfer window. The Olympian leaders, eager to strengthen the Marseille squad after a completely failed season, intend to continue this momentum. To be continued.
