Yahoo Sports Interest grows in wantaway Marseille midfielder Ismaël Koné
Another one of Olympique de Marseille’s big summer signings may be heading to a new team.
Fabrizio Romano reports that several Bundesliga clubs including La Liga side Valencia, are interested in signing Ismaël Koné (22) on a loan deal during the winter transfer window.
The Canadian international came to Marseille in June 2024 from EFL Championship side Watford.
According to Romano, numerous clubs in the German top flight are interested in the attacking midfielder, though Werder Bremen were the only one he confirmed were in the mix.
🚨🔵⚪️ Werder Bremen and Valencia have both asked for Ismael Kone on loan from Olympique Marseille.
Carlos Corberan wants him at Valencia, Werder and more Bundesliga clubs are also keen with OM due to decide best loan destination soon. pic.twitter.com/XoTrN5mxid— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 27, 2025
Although it’d only be a loan move, Koné would become the second significant signing the club made last summer to leave within a year, after Elye Wahi (22) joined Eintracht Frankfurt last week.
The former Lens striker came to OM in August for a reported fee of €25m with €5m in potential signing bonuses.
Koné, who appeared in all three of Canada’s matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has struggled to crack the lineup for Roberto De Zerbi’s men, making just eight appearances in Ligue 1 this season.
Stade Rennais were reportedly also in the running to acquire the youngster, but his offensive profile was why they declined to pursue him.
Marseille currently sit second in Ligue 1 with 37 points.
