In a stunning development, Manchester United have emerged as the victors in the pursuit of Sekou Kone from Guidars FC. The 18-year-old sensation, who has earned 12 caps for Mali Under-17s, garnered interest from a plethora of clubs.
Kone’s impressive performances for Mali at the Under-17s Africa Cup of Nations and Under-17s World Cup last year, where he helped his nation reach the semi-finals in both tournaments, caught the eye of many scouts.
Renowned transfer guru Fabrizio Romano divulged that multiple clubs were vying for the signature of the talented defensive midfielder from Guidars FC. However, Kone ultimately opted to join the prestigious ranks of the 20-time English champions.
According to Romano, Manchester United have identified Kone as a key component of their future plans, alongside the incoming Chido Obi Martin. The highly touted teenager from Arsenal is expected to bolster the Red Devils’ squad in the upcoming season.
Despite not being in contention for immediate first-team action, Kone is likely to feature for United’s Under-23s squad as he acclimatizes to the demands of senior football. Observers have lauded Kone for his exceptional attributes, including pace, passing, vision, technique, positioning, tackling, athleticism, and work rate.
With Obi Martin set to follow Kone to Old Trafford, United are poised to secure another promising talent. The 16-year-old striker, who made waves at Arsenal with a hat-trick against Chelsea for the Under-18s and a debut for the Under-21s at just 15, has captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike.
It has been speculated that Obi Martin could serve as United’s third-choice striker behind Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee this season, pending official confirmation of his transfer. The deal is currently undergoing the Premier League’s meticulous five-step investigation, a standard procedure for academy player transfers among Category One clubs.
Impressively, the prodigious forward netted an astonishing 28 goals in his final nine appearances for Arsenal’s Under-18s last season, foreshadowing a bright future ahead. As the football world eagerly awaits Obi Martin’s formal unveiling at United, his potential as a potent attacking threat is undeniable.
