Report: Leeds United have joined the race to sign 21-year-old defender | OneFootball

Leeds United Tracking Amadou Kone as Hull City Push Hard for Midfield Deal

Leeds United are among the clubs closely monitoring Amadou Kone, with Hull City currently working hardest to turn interest into a concrete move for the Neom SC midfielder. According to TeamTalk, the 21-year-old has emerged as a serious option for several sides as attention builds around one of the more intriguing midfield names on the market.

This is a developing situation with layers to it. Hull are described as being advanced in their thinking, while Leeds are keeping a close eye on how the market unfolds. West Ham are also in the picture, with a number of clubs across Europe alerted to Kone’s availability if the right conditions present themselves.

Amadou Kone drawing wide transfer interest

The original report states that “Hull City face a fight to secure the signing of Neom SC midfielder Amadou Kone after sources confirmed the Ivorian star is attracting attention from Leeds, West Ham and a flurry of major European clubs.” That gives a fair indication of the competition developing around him.

Kone joined Neom SC from Stade de Reims in the summer of 2025 for around €13 million and has continued his progress in Saudi Arabia. He has featured in 33 matches in all competitions, returning two goals and one assist, while further strengthening his reputation as a midfield ball-winner with athletic range and composure in possession.

There is a curious market angle here too. TeamTalk reports that his “current market value sits around €7 million – a bargain by modern standards”, though any club hoping to land him for that level may find Neom demanding considerably more. With a contract running until 2029, the selling club are under no obvious pressure.

Leeds United stance as Daniel Farke weighs options

For Leeds United, the key detail is where Kone sits on the shortlist. TeamTalk says, “Premier League Leeds United are among those to be keeping a watching brief on his situation.” That points to genuine interest, even if the move is not yet at the most advanced stage.

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It is also made clear that “he’s not the top midfield target for Daniel Farke’s side – that remains Shea Charles as they wait on Southampton to decide on his sale”. In practical terms, that suggests Leeds are keeping alternatives warm while they assess whether a deal for Charles can be completed.

Should that route stall, Kone looks like the type of player who could move quickly into sharper focus. The report adds that he “could present himself as an option to the Whites should a move for the Northern Ireland international fail to get off the ground.” In a market where timing matters as much as preference, that is significant.

Leeds are said to view him as “a dynamic box-to-box option”, a description that fits the modern demands of Premier League midfield play. His ability to cover ground, disrupt transitions and compete physically would clearly appeal to a side preparing for the demands of top-flight consolidation.

Hull City leading race amid European competition

Hull’s interest appears strongest at this stage. TeamTalk understands that the Tigers “are perhaps the most advanced in the race” and that they “have held conversations and are in the race.” That language matters. It suggests movement beyond passive admiration, even if no formal offer has yet been lodged.

They are not alone. West Ham remain attentive, while Atalanta are credited with admiration for his “athleticism and tactical awareness”. Other clubs linked include Nottingham Forest, Sunderland, Roma, Borussia Dortmund, Galatasaray, Strasbourg and Marseille, whose interest stretches back to his Reims days.

What stands out is the consistency of the scouting feedback. At “just 21, Koné possesses the physicality and technical ability to thrive in Europe’s top leagues.” TeamTalk also notes that “He is keen on the next step and to play in one of the top five leagues.” That ambition is likely to shape the next phase of this story.

Our View

From a Leeds United perspective, this feels like one to watch closely. If Shea Charles is the first choice, fair enough, but Kone sounds like the sort of profile the club should be seriously considering. He is young, he has already played in France and Saudi Arabia, and the report keeps coming back to his mobility, strength and tactical value. For a promoted side, that matters.

There is also something encouraging in the idea that Leeds are scanning multiple options rather than waiting around on one deal. Supporters will know how dangerous it can be when a club becomes too fixated on a single target. If Kone is genuinely being tracked and if Hull are already pushing, Leeds may need to decide whether they truly want him before the market moves on.

What makes this especially interesting is that he seems to fit a real need. A midfielder who can break up play, cover the pitch and handle the physical side of Premier League football would improve the squad. If the quoted valuation is even close to realistic, then this could be excellent business.

There is risk, of course, because stepping from Saudi football into the Premier League brings questions. Still, the age profile, the upside and the level of interest from elsewhere all suggest Leeds would be smart to keep him high on the list. This has the feel of a deal that could look very clever a year down the line.