OFFICIAL: Man Utd complete Sekou Kone transfer

Tom Weber

• Updated: 30 Aug 2024 19:15 BST
• 3 min read

Breaking

Manchester United have officially completed the signing of Sekou Kone.

The Malian wonderkid has finally been announced as the Red Devils' latest recruit, though some fans will be disappointed that this midfield reinforcement isn't (yet) Manuel Ugarte.

News of Kone arriving at Old Trafford does not come as a surprise. A deal for the 18-year-old has been done for over a week and only a final announcement awaited.

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The youngster likely caught the eye of Man Utd scouts at the U17 World Cup in late 2023 and they have now secured the signature of one of Africa's biggest midfield prospects.

The Manchester giants reportedly showed themselves willing to part with a fee in the region of €1.2 million to land the teenager from Guidars FC.

Man Utd's plan for Kone

FootballTransfers previously revealed that Man Utd are ready to hand the wonderkid first-team opportunities when convenient, but the Red Devils are wary of putting too much pressure on him.

We are told that Man Utd 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.

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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 has become the latest young talent to be signed by Man Utd under the INEOS regime, which is determined to unearth the best young prospects instead of splashing exorbitant fees on ageing stars.

Leny Yoro, described in the industry as the 'Kylian Mbappe of centre-backs,' has also been signed, though a massive €70m was required to land him. Arsenal youngster Chido Obi-Martin is also expected to join.