Barcelona and English clubs keen, Palmeiras to sign African talent | OneFootball

Palmeiras continues its efforts to recruit young talents for its youth academy, aiming for both sporting and financial returns, and has found a new market for incoming athletes in Africa.

African Prospect

NOSSO PALESTRA has learned that Verdão is finalizing the signing of a professional contract with Ivorian defender Koné, who will turn 18 on October 20. The contract will be valid for three years and will include a release clause of 100 million euros.

As a foreign player under the age of 18, he is not yet eligible to play in official matches—those organized by the São Paulo Football Federation (FPF) and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). Since October 2023, the Academy product has only participated in non-official tournament matches.

To sign Koné, Palmeiras paid €350,000 (about R$2.2 million at the current exchange rate) to JEK FC, from Ivory Coast. Now, the club will pay around €1.1 million (about R$7 million) to acquire an additional 20% of the defender's rights.

The contract also includes a €1 million bonus if certain milestones are reached with Verdão’s professional team, such as games played.

Before arriving at the Greatest Champion of Brazil, the Ivorian youth national team defender received an official offer from Barcelona, Spain. The work and project presented by João Paulo Sampaio together with Didi Gualberto and the company FDD Sports, responsible for the player’s career, were crucial for his arrival in Brazil.

Kone (left) – Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Koné is seen as Palmeiras’ next big sale in the near future. Barcelona remains interested in the defender, as well as Premier League teams like Arsenal and Chelsea, who have been monitoring him since his time playing in Africa.

To help with his adaptation, the defender takes Portuguese lessons three times a week and already speaks the language perfectly. There is an expectation that he will transition to Alviverde’s professional squad as early as the beginning of 2026.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.