Man Utd to sign a wonderkid! Red Devils agree deal to sign Senegal international Sekou Kone, who is still just 18

Kone, a promising defensive midfielder, had attracted significant attention from several top clubs across Europe, but United have successfully secured his signature, according to Fabrizio Romano. Several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers, reportedly expressed interest in the young midfielder but the Red Devils seem to have successfully fended off competition.

At just 18 years old, Kone has already made a name for himself as one of Africa’s brightest football talents. With 12 caps for Mali’s youth teams, Kone’s experience on the international stage highlights his potential to become a key figure for Manchester United in the coming years.

According to The Athletic, Erik ten Hag has already devised a careful plan to integrate the young star into the club. The Dutch coach is mindful of the significant cultural shift Kone will experience upon his move from Mali to England and the club will ease him into life in Manchester gradually. This transition will begin with Kone joining United’s under-21 squad, where he will have the opportunity to acclimate to the new environment while continuing his development.

In Africa, Kone is compared to legendary Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure, further raising expectations surrounding his potential impact. He was a regular starter during the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup and emerged as a key player while Mali settled for the third spot in the competition.

As United prepare for the upcoming Premier League fixtures, including their match against Brighton & Hove Albion this Saturday, the focus remains on building a competitive squad. They kicked off their season with a 1-0 victory over Fulham, and Ten Hag's men will look to build on that victory when they take on the Seagulls.