CONFIRMED: Man Utd to be patient with highly-rated Kone

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 24 Aug 2024 11:04 BST
• 3 min read

Confirmed

Manchester United will be patient with new signing Sekou Kone, FootballTransfers has been told.

The defensive midfielder moved from Guidars FC and was recognised after his standout performances for Mali at the U17 World Cup last year.

We are told that the club will nurture him and give him the time and care he needs to settle into the club and country. Kone will initially be used in the Under-21s for Man Utd at Carrington but will get opportunities to train with the first team, too.

READ MORE: What Man Utd can expect from Manuel Ugarte

There is a possibility that the youngster is fast-tracked to the senior squad but allowing him to acclimatise first is the foremost priority.

The 18-year-old is highly regarded by the club's staff, who see him as a player with significant potential.

Kone started his football career at the JMG Academy in Bamako, Mali, following a path similar to that of Tottenham and fellow Mali international Yves Bissouma.

In addition, Man Utd have strengthened their academy this summer by bringing in young striker Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal, with Dan Ashworth leading the push for sourcing young emerging talent.

Kone to Man Utd done

Obi-Martin is set to join United, with the deal having been finalised weeks ago and now just awaiting Premier League approval.

The Danish striker is highly regarded as one of England's most promising prospects, having scored 32 goals for Arsenal's U18s last season. Man Utd believe they’ve secured a major talent with his signing, and they see Kone as a similarly astute buy.

Earlier this year, new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe outlined a strategy focused on signing emerging generational talents before they become expensive stars. He cited Kylian Mbappe as an example, saying the club will move way from signing established superstars in favour of discovering the "next Kylian Mbappe."