Facts about Manchester United prospective signing Sekou Kone, the "next Yaya Toure"

Following a deal with Guidars FC of Mali, Manchester United is reportedly in the process of signing 18-year-old wonderkid Sekou Kone. Promising defensive midfielder Kone had drawn interest from a number of elite clubs in Europe, but Fabrizio Romano reports that United have signed him. Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool, among other Premier League teams, are said to have shown interest in the young midfield player, but the Red Devils appear to have successfully repelled the competition. Kone, one of Africa's most gifted football players, has already established himself at the age of just eighteen. Kone's international history, which includes 12 caps for Mali's youth teams, shows that he has what it takes to be a major player for Manchester United in the future.

Erik ten Hag has reportedly already created a meticulous plan to assimilate the young player into the team, according to The Athletic. Kone's transition from Mali to England will include a big cultural adjustment, something the Dutch coach is aware of. As such, the club will gradually ease Kone into life in Manchester. Kone will start this shift by joining United's under-21 team, where he will be able to continue developing while getting used to the new surroundings. Kone is being likened to the great Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure in Africa, which is increasing anticipation for his future impact. Throughout the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup, he was a consistent starter and became an important member of the team as Mali finished the competition in third place.