'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Manchester United have completed and confirmed the signing of 18-year-old talent Sekou Kone from Malian club Guidars FC. The teenager has been recognized for his talent as one of the most exciting players of his age. This comes after clubs in Europe took notice of the defensive midfielder, following his impressive performances at the Under-17 World Cup last year.
While it was uncertain if he would make the switch to a bigger club this summer, the transfer to Old Trafford was concluded on deadline day. At the U-17 World Cup, the midfielder played seven games, producing two assists and helping his side finish in third place.
The club's website has revealed that Kone will begin life in Manchester United with their academy, rather than in the first team. The idea is to "give him time to settle", as he looks to continue his career on a new continent.
He joins a host of players who joined the Red Devils this summer, perhaps being the least popular of the lot. United signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and Leny Yoro from Lille. They also took two players from Bayern Munich for defensive reinforcements - Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.
While Sekou Kone will not be in United's first team just yet, the midfielder will be hoping he can work hard and cement a pathway to the first team.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag shares his thoughts on Scott McTominay exit
While the Red Devils have had a number of incomings this transfer window, they've also had to say goodbye to some players. One of them is Scott McTominay, who joined the club's academy in 2012 and has joined Napoli.
Manager Erik ten Hag made it clear that the midfielder was on his way out of Manchester United. He said in a press conference (via Football 365):
“I can’t tell you more than you already know, it’s not completed yet. We expect it (to be completed), but I can’t confirm it now.”
He went on to share his thoughts on McTominay's exit, adding:
“It’s a little bit mixed, I’m very happy for him. It’s also (a good deal) for us, but it is mixed because I wouldn’t prefer to lose him because he’s Manchester United in everything.
“We have to discuss the rules, when you have to sell and obviously homegrown and academy players bring more value, that’s not the right thing to do."
The manager will be hoping that, despite potentially losing McTominay, his current squad will provide the quality needed to excel in the Premier League.
