Wolves have made a brilliant start to the transfer window, and could now look to the next generation.
Wolves have been refreshingly active in the transfer market as Gary O’Neil aims for a season of progression at Molineux.
The Englishman is looking to build on his 14th-place finish last term and signings such as Tommy Doyle, Pedro Lima, Jorgen Strand Larsen and Rodrigo Gomes suggest they could pull up some trees.
The Old Gold are currently in a training camp in Marbella, kicking that off with a 1-0 victory over Como on Monday evening, a side managed by Cesc Fabregas.
A warm weather training camp is a vital aspect to get the current squad prepared for the 2024/25 Premier League campaign however, that hasn’t stopped Wolves from looking at further additions, with one eye firmly on the next generation.
Wolves now keeping an eye on Guidars FC midfielder Sekou Kone
O’Neil has assembled the foundations of a competitive squad at Molineux, and although there is still plenty of work to be done, the Wolves boss wants to recruit players with the future in mind.
That explains why each of their new signings are aged 24 or under, while the latest player they’re reportedly after is just 18-years-old.
According to German outlet Fussball News, clubs from all over Europe are keen on signing Guidars FC midfielder Sekou Kone, including Wolves, Salzburg, Crystal Palace and Manchester United.
Kone currently plays his football in Africa but it was at the U17 World Cup in November last year where the defensive midfielder caught the eye, as Mali went deep into the competition, only to lose out to France in the semi-finals.
Described as the “lynchpin” of the team, as per the report, the talented youngster provided two assists as he broadcast his name to the whole world and could now be available for between €1.5 – €2 million this summer.
Sekou Kone labelled the ‘next Yaya Toure’
Midfield powerhouse Yaya Toure is one of the greatest Premier League players of all time.
The Ivorian dominated for Manchester City alongside the likes of David Silva and Sergio Aguero for years and proved he could do everything.
He could sit in front of the defence and break up play, drive forward with his incredible pace and power while contributing crucial goals in the final third.
In short, Toure was unstoppable during his years at City and Kone – the player linked to Wolves – has been described as the ‘next Yaya Toure’.
A deep dive into his statistics from the U17 World Championship last summer showcase why he could be the next Toure. As per Sofascore, the ‘exciting’ teenager acted as an unbreakable screen in front of the defence, averaging 7.6 balls recovered per game, 4.3 tackles and 1.6 interceptions while making 1.4 key passes.
For a youngster performing against some of the biggest nations on the international stage, culminating in a third-place finish, those statistics are impressive.
So, if Wolves were looking for someone who could be the next Toure, they could add a second Malian to their squad after Boubacar Traore.