Fabrizio Romano: Manchester United beat Ajax to ‘high potential’ starlet with last-gasp offer

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United beat Ajax for the signing of Sekou Kone in the summer with a last-gasp offer.

Manchester United secured the signing of the highly talented midfielder Sekou Kone late in the summer transfer window.

Kone, 18, was scouted by United during the U17s World Cup in 2023, where he was the ‘unsung hero’ for Mali, who reached the semi-finals of the competition.

The Reds eventually signed the teenager for around £1 million, in a deal which represents the change in approach INEOS want to bring to the club’s recruitment.

Since then, Kone has been getting used to life in Manchester and making an impression in the youth team.

He is currently recovering from a small injury but was recently praised by U21s manager Travis Binnion, who explained that the midfielder has ‘high potential’.

Romano reveals how United beat Ajax for Kone deal

United’s deal for Kone came as an immediate surprise to supporters and many journalists and it seems that they managed to snatch the midfielder from Ajax.

Fabrizio Romano reveals that the Eredivisie club had almost agreed a deal for the midfielder before United swooped in and completed a move in ‘record time’.

“Sources who want to remain secret to protect their relationships guarantee that Ajax almost had a deal in place for Kone,” Romano wrote in his GiveMeSport column.

“Manchester United arrived and were able to beat the Dutch club and also a secret German club working behind the scenes… in order to match the proposal, convince the player and bring Sekou to Carrington in record time.

“That was a big surprise even for those who were at the African Academy where Kone used to play: ‘Man United appeared and closed the deal in a few days’, they say.”

United’s new transfer approach under INEOS is clear

Kone was not the only exciting talent to join United in the summer, with Chido Obi Martin, Samuel Lusale and James Overy all signing for the club.

Now, the Reds have also secured the addition of Diego Leon from Paraguay. Not to mention the signing of 19-year-old Leny Yoro, who was brought in as a ready-made option with tons of talent.

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There is a clear idea to bring in more young and talented players to grow into world class stars at Old Trafford.

It might not work with all of them, but several of these players, alongside those already in the Academy, have a chance of improving the first-team at United in the long run.

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