Sky Journalist: West Ham Target World Cup Midfielder Compared to Yaya Toure, Player Keen on Move
West Ham United have been quite active in the early stages of the transfer window, aiming to bolster their squad for the upcoming season.
The Hammers have already secured their first signing with Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme, who joined the Premier League club from Palmeiras in June.
West Ham are reportedly nearing a deal for goalkeeper Wes Foderingham and are also targeting Wolves captain Max Kilman.
Currently, the Hammers are eyeing a midfielder who played in the 2022 World Cup and is eager for a major move.
The player in question is Watford’s Ismael Kone, one of the standout talents in the Championship.
According to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, the Canada international is on the radar of West Ham, Roma, and Marseille.
Kone, who is currently representing Canada at the Copa America, is reportedly keen on moving to a top European league.
“West Ham, Roma, and Marseille are all interested in Watford midfielder Ismael Kone,” Sheth reported on Sky Sports. “Kone is keen on a move as he wants to play in a top European league. Incoming Marseille boss Roberto de Zerbi is understood to be a big admirer of the player.”
Ismael Kone, a 22-year-old midfielder, joined Watford in January 2023 from MLS club Montreal for a reported £6.8 million. The 6ft 2in midfielder has made 63 appearances for the Hornets, scoring four goals and providing four assists. He has also earned 19 caps for Canada and played in the 2022 World Cup.
In 2022, Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig compared Kone’s style of play to that of Manchester City, Barcelona, and Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure. Kulig highlighted Kone’s pace, power, athleticism, tackling, passing, vision, technique, and work rate as his key strengths.
