Manchester United are set to confirm the signing of Mali teenager Sekou Kone on a permanent deal, according to reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils recently reached a verbal agreement for the Guidars FC midfielder and the club have now signed all documents for the proposed transfer.
The 18-year-old will complete the formal steps in the next 24 hours.
Romano wrote on X: “All documents are ready for 2006 born Mali talent Sékou Kone to complete his move to Manchester United.
“Exclusive story to be confirmed soon as United have signed all docs and formal steps will follow in next 24h. One for the future.”
Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Red Bull Salzburg were all interested in the teenager, who was hugely impressive for Mali at last year’s Under-17 World Cup.
Mali were knocked out by France in the semi-final of the tournament, but Kone earned plenty of praise after catching the eye with his composure from midfield.
The young defensive midfielder was ever-present for Mali with a couple of assists. He helped his country to finish third overall after beating Argentina in the play-off.
United have signed one of the best upcoming talents from Africa and it remains to be seen whether he is fast-tracked into the first-team squad in the next few years.
Manager Erik ten Hag has shown that he is prepared to place his faith on young players with the emergence of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo under him.
If Kone can make a huge impression with the development squads, he could be handed the chance to train with the first-team before making his possible senior debut.
If he develops in the right path, he could become a future understudy for Manuel Ugarte, who is expected to join United from Paris Saint-Germain in the coming hours.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
