Olympique Marseille has agreed to sign Canadian midfielder Ismaël Kone from Watford for €12.5m plus add-ons. Kone has accepted the proposal from Marseille, which he found attractive due to the project. Roberto de Zerbi, the coach of Marseille, had Kone as the priority target and considers him a top talent for the midfield. Kone will join Marseille on a five-year deal.
Kone’s transfer to Marseille was anticipated by several clubs around Italy, France, and England. The 22-year-old midfielder’s profile has been on the rise since he was signed from amateur club Saint-Laurent in August 2021. His Transfermarkt market value has risen remarkably, from nothing to €12.5m in less than three years. Kone is a promising talent who has represented Canada at the international level, including the World Cup in Qatar.
The signing of Kone is strategically significant for Marseille, as they aim to strengthen their midfield and compete for titles in the upcoming seasons. Marseille has a rich history of developing young talent, and Kone’s transfer is in line with their philosophy. The deal also reflects Marseille’s ambition to return to the top of French football after a disappointing season.
Key Takeaways
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- Olympique Marseille has signed Canadian midfielder Ismaël Kone from Watford for €12.5m plus add-ons.
- Kone is a promising talent who has represented Canada at the international level, and his transfer to Marseille is strategically significant for the club.
- Marseille’s signing of Kone reflects their ambition to return to the top of French football and develop young talent.
Transfer Agreement Details
Transfer Fee and Add-Ons
Olympique Marseille have agreed to pay a transfer fee of €12.5 million plus add-ons to Watford for the talented Canadian midfielder Ismaël Kone. The exact details of the add-ons have not been disclosed, but it is believed that they are performance-based and could increase the total transfer fee.
This fee is considered to be reasonable for a player of Kone’s quality and potential. Several clubs around Italy, France, and England were interested in signing him, but Marseille were able to secure his signature by offering a competitive transfer fee and an attractive project.
Contract Duration
Kone has accepted Marseille’s proposal and will be joining the club on a five-year deal. The length of the contract reflects the club’s confidence in the player’s ability and potential. It also provides Kone with the stability and security he needs to develop and grow as a player.
Overall, the transfer agreement details suggest that both Marseille and Kone are confident in their ability to succeed together. The transfer fee and contract duration are reasonable and reflect the player’s quality and potential. Marseille will be hoping that Kone can make an immediate impact and help the club achieve its goals in the coming seasons.
Ismaël Kone’s Profile
Career Highlights
Ismaël Kone is a promising Canadian midfielder who has caught the attention of football fans and experts alike. Born on March 6, 2002, in Ivory Coast, Kone moved to Canada at the age of 11 and began his football journey in the local clubs of Montreal.
Kone’s talent was soon recognized by the Canadian national team, and he made his debut in 2019. He has since become a regular member of the squad and played a crucial role in Canada’s qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Kone’s professional career began in August 2021 when he signed with Watford FC. He quickly established himself as a key player for the team, showcasing his technical skills and versatility on the field. Kone’s impressive performances caught the attention of several top clubs around Europe, including Olympique Marseille.
Playing Style
Kone is a versatile midfielder who can play in various positions, including central, defensive, and attacking midfield. He is known for his technical ability, vision, and passing accuracy, making him a valuable asset for any team.
Kone’s playing style is characterized by his ability to control the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He is also a hardworking player who contributes to the team’s defensive efforts, making crucial tackles and interceptions.
Kone’s physical attributes, including his strength and stamina, allow him to cover a lot of ground on the field and maintain his performance throughout the game. His ability to adapt to different playing styles and formations makes him a versatile player who can fit into any team’s system.
Overall, Ismaël Kone is a talented midfielder with a bright future ahead of him. His move to Olympique Marseille is set to provide him with new challenges and opportunities to showcase his skills on the highest level of European football.
Strategic Significance
Longoria and Benatia’s Role
Olympique Marseille’s president, Pablo Longoria, and sporting director, Mehdi Benatia, played a crucial role in securing the signing of Ismaël Kone. They anticipated fierce competition from several clubs across Italy, France, and England, and worked diligently to convince Kone to join their project.
Longoria, who has been praised for his shrewd transfer dealings, will be pleased with the acquisition of Kone. The Canadian midfielder has been on Marseille’s radar for some time, and Longoria’s persistence has paid off with the signing of a top talent.
Benatia, a former professional footballer himself, will be looking to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for silverware. Kone’s arrival will bolster Marseille’s midfield and provide De Zerbi with a talented player to build his team around.
De Zerbi’s Midfield Vision
Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille’s head coach, has made it clear that he wanted Kone as a priority target. The Italian coach has a clear vision for his midfield, and Kone’s arrival will be a significant step towards achieving his goals.
De Zerbi is known for his attacking style of play, and Kone’s technical ability and vision will fit perfectly into his system. Kone’s versatility will also give De Zerbi options in midfield, as he can play in a variety of positions.
Overall, the signing of Ismaël Kone is a significant coup for Marseille. Longoria and Benatia’s hard work has paid off, and De Zerbi will be delighted to have a talented midfielder to work with. The Canadian’s arrival will give Marseille’s midfield a new dimension and provide the team with a solid foundation to build upon.
Market Competition
Clubs Interested in Kone
Ismaël Kone has been on the radar of several clubs around Europe, including Italy, France, and England. However, Olympique Marseille managed to secure the talented midfielder for a fee of €12.5m plus add-ons, signing him on a five-year deal.
Kone’s impressive performances in the Championship caught the attention of many clubs, including Italian giants AC Milan and French side AS Monaco. However, it was Roberto de Zerbi’s project at Marseille that attracted the Canadian international.
Despite interest from other clubs, Kone was convinced by the vision and ambition of Marseille’s new sporting director, Pablo Longoria, and their head coach, Jorge Sampaoli. The club’s history and passionate fan base also played a significant role in Kone’s decision to join the Ligue 1 outfit.
In conclusion, while there was significant interest in Ismaël Kone from other clubs, it was Marseille who managed to secure the midfielder’s signature. With Kone’s talent and potential, he is set to be a valuable addition to the Marseille squad and a player to watch in the coming seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Olympique Marseille paying Watford for Ismaël Kone?
Olympique Marseille is paying €12.5m plus add-ons to Watford for the transfer of Ismaël Kone.
What are the terms of Ismaël Kone’s contract with Olympique Marseille?
Ismaël Kone has signed a five-year deal with Olympique Marseille. The terms of the contract have not been disclosed.
Why was Ismaël Kone a priority target for Roberto de Zerbi?
Roberto de Zerbi, the head coach of Olympique Marseille, identified Ismaël Kone as a top talent for the midfield. Kone’s technical skills, passing ability, and vision on the field make him a valuable addition to the team.
What does the signing of Ismaël Kone mean for Marseille’s midfield strategy?
The signing of Ismaël Kone reinforces Marseille’s midfield and gives the team more options in terms of tactics and formations. Kone’s versatility and creativity will allow the team to adapt to different opponents and situations.
How did Longoria and Benatia manage to secure Kone’s transfer ahead of other clubs?
Marseille’s President, Pablo Longoria, and Sporting Director, Mehdi Benatia, anticipated interest from several clubs around Italy, France, and England for Ismaël Kone. They acted quickly and decisively to make an attractive offer to Kone and Watford, which convinced them to choose Marseille over other options.
What potential add-ons are included in the transfer deal for Ismaël Kone?
The details of the add-ons included in the transfer deal for Ismaël Kone have not been disclosed. It is common for transfer deals to include performance-based bonuses, such as appearances, goals, or team achievements.
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