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Manchester United have officially confirmed the signing of 18-year-old midfielder Sekou Kone.
Last week, as relayed by The Peoples Person here, it was revealed the Red Devils had agreed a deal with Malian side Guidars FC to sign the highly-rated youngster.
Kone, who shone for his country during the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia last summer, was attraction attention from a host of clubs across Europe with his potent pairing of technical ability and physicality the archetype for a modern midfielder.
However, it was United who won the race for his services, agreeing a deal worth “€1.5 million plus bonuses.”
The club had been extensively tracking the 18-year-old for a long period of time, as Rich Fay (MancWorldUK) reveals.
United first scouted Kone at the U17 World Cup last year. He was watched by multiple staff throughout tournament and identified as player of significant interest to follow.
He was then watched at U18 tournament in Morocco earlier this year when recommendation to sign him came
— Rich Fay (@RichFay) August 30, 2024
Tweet: “United first scouted Kone at the U17 World Cup last year. He was watched by multiple staff throughout tournament and identified as player of significant interest to follow. He was then watched at U18 tournament in Morocco earlier this year when recommendation to sign him came.”
INEOS, who gained full control over the football operation at Old Trafford in February, green lit the deal based on the existing recommendations from United’s recruitment department.
There’s recognition that a move for a young player from Mali to Manchester will be a significant change, culturally as well as physically. United plan to ease Kone into life at Old Trafford by playing with the U-21 team before any prospect of first-team duties can be considered.
The club announced the deal confirming the midfielder’s signing on X, describing Kone as an “exciting” talent and picturing him alongside technical director Jason Wilcox.
We’re proud to announce the signing of exciting midfielder, Sekou Kone! 🇲🇱🔴#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 30, 2024
Tweet: “We’re proud to announce the signing of exciting midfielder, Sekou Kone!”
Kone is unlikely to be the only midfielder the club confirm has joined the ranks at Old Trafford this evening, however.
A deal for Manuel Ugarte – Paris Saint-Germain’s defensive midfielder – was agreed earlier this week with the Uruguayan international flying to Manchester to complete a medical.
Reportedly, all the necessary documents have been signed to rubber stamp the deal and there is simply a wait for the club to officially announce the 23-year-old’s signing before the 11pm deadline tonight.
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