Leeds United ‘monitoring’ Amadou Kone after Saudi move | OneFootball

Leeds United are monitoring 21-year-old defensive midfielder Amadou Kone, with EFL Championship side West Ham United and Atalanta also interested, Foot Mercato reports.

The Ivory Coast Under-23 international left Ligue 1 for Saudi club NEOM SC for around £10 million, yet performances there have revived European interest.

Born in Bamako, Mali, Kone came through Afrique Football Elite before joining Stade Reims in July 2023.

He established himself as a physical holding midfielder, making 40 Ligue 1 appearances across two seasons and helping Reims reach the Coupe de France final.

In his debut Saudi Pro League campaign he played 33 times in all competitions, scoring twice and supplying one assist while anchoring NEOM’s midfield.

A left-footed, combative profile with top-flight and international experience appeals to English and Italian scouts. At Reims he was among Ligue 1’s leading young ball-winners and carriers, drawing links with Liverpool and Manchester United.

Leeds want a similar presence in midfield, as shown by their pursuit of Southampton’s Shea Charles, while West Ham see Kone as an anchor for a promotion push.

Although the Saudi move reduced his visibility in Europe, his output at NEOM suggests his technical and physical tools remain. If Leeds make a formal approach, a return could be a smart piece of business.

Source: Leedsunited.news