It has often been the Saudi Pro League pinching players from European divisions. However, West Ham United is interested in Amadou Kone of Neom SC.
The Daily Mail has published an article linking Kone with the Hammers.
West Ham needs to strengthen their midfield this summer, especially with Mateus Fernandes expected to depart the club. He has been linked with some big teams, including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Arsenal. Soungoutou Magassa and Mohamadou Kanté both could also be leaving West Ham.
Kone is predominantly a defensive midfielder, but he can play centrally and in an attacking role. He played in 32 Saudi Pro League games last season, scoring twice and making one assist.
Will West Ham be able to sign Amadou Kone?
Notably, he is a teammate of former Hammer Said Benrahma, who set up his goal against Al-Najma. Kone then returned the favor by assisting Benrahma in their next fixture against Al-Hazem. Benrahma would no doubt be someone for Kone to talk to about a potential switch to the Hammers.
Before playing for Neom, Kone was with Stade de Reims. In his first and only season with their first team, they got to the Coupe de France final before losing to PSG. However, Reims were also relegated as they were defeated by FC Metz in the promotion/relegation playoffs.
Despite being born in Mali, Kone has made one appearance for the Ivory Coast's Under-23s, which came in a match against France's U23s.
Kone is contracted to Neom until 2029, and will no doubt be paid handsomely by the Saudi Pro League side. This could be an issue in convincing him to play in the Championship for West Ham next season. However, the Hammers are fancied for promotion back to the Premier League, which could be a draw for the 21-year-old.
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