West Ham United have been active in the transfer market recently, with speculation linking them to several top targets.
Having already secured Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras, the Hammers are reportedly close to signing goalkeeper Wes Foderingham and are hopeful of acquiring Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Max Kilman.
According to The Guardian, West Ham is prioritizing defensive reinforcements before addressing other areas, such as midfield. The latest reports suggest that they could sign a player likened to Yaya Toure with an “incredible future” for just £15 million.
Ismael Kone: A Promising Talent
The player in question is Ismael Kone of Watford, a 22-year-old midfielder valued at £15 million by the Hornets. West Ham is among his suitors, but they face competition from Marseille, who are eager to make him Roberto De Zerbi’s first signing.
Background on Kone
Kone joined Watford in January 2023 from MLS club Montreal for a reported £6.8 million. The 6ft 2in midfielder has made 63 appearances for Watford, scoring four goals and providing four assists. He has also earned 19 caps for Canada and played in the 2022 World Cup.
New Canada head coach Jesse Marsch told The Athletic, “I have no doubt that Ismael has an incredible future. And I’m just trying to add to who he is, both from a mental perspective and from a tactical perspective.”
Canada midfielder Jonathan Osorio added, “What I always see is a star in the making. But I think (Kone) is a star now, to be honest. He is a kid with an abundance of confidence and a maturity to him that you don’t get much in guys at his age.”
West Ham will need to act quickly to secure Kone, as Marseille is also heavily linked with the talented midfielder.
