From Spain: Man Utd beat Barcelona to signing 19yo wonderkid, was on the bench vs Forest

Manchester United beat Barcelona to the signing of Guidars FC midfielder Sekou Kone last summer, according to Spanish publication Sport (page 15).

The Red Devils have recruited plenty of young talents for their academy. Kone is one of those who could break into manager Ruben Amorim’s first-team plans in future.

He has already made six appearances for United’s reserve side in Premier League 2 and has been in the matchday squad with the Red Devils on three occasions this year.

The wonderkid was on the bench against Nottingham Forest.

Kone could make his senior debut in the coming games. Sport now claim that Barcelona were also keen on his services but did not meet the ‘small economic compensation’.

Blaugrana’s sporting director Deco plans to add a young defensive midfielder to the first-team squad, but he now faces an increasingly demanding market.

Kone could break into United’s first-team plans soon

The 19-year-old had a brilliant Under-17 World Cup with Mali in 2023. He caught the eye with his distribution and defensive attributes.

Kone made almost eight recoveries per outing, with 66 percent of his duels won. He also impressed with his tackling and interception skills.

United have been guilty of missing out on quality youngsters in the past, but they quickly decided to prise Kone away from Guidars last summer.

Kone has yet to break into Amorim’s XI, but it may not be long before his debut. The 40-year-old tactician has built his reputation on developing emerging talents.

Chido Obi made his first-team bow earlier this year. Kone may not be far away from doing so.

With Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and possibly Kobbie Mainoo leaving this summer, Kone could be promoted to the first-team squad next term.

Stats from Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .