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CF Montréal is selling Ismaël Koné for a record fee: report

The 20-year-old midfielder is reportedly signing with Watford in the English Championship.

CF Montréal midfielder Ismaël Koné celebrates after scoring a goal against Orlando City during the second half at Saputo Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022 in Montreal.
CF Montréal midfielder Ismaël Koné celebrates after scoring a goal against Orlando City during the second half at Saputo Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022 in Montreal. Photo by David Kirouac /USA TODAY Sports

Midfielder Ismaël Koné, a revelation for CF Montréal this season and Canada’s youngest player at the World Cup in Qatar, is reportedly headed to Watford FC in the English Championship.

CF Montréal will receive a club-record transfer fee for the 20-year-old, Fabrizio Romano reports.

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The transfer would complete a whirlwind year for Koné, who appeared in 26 games during his first full MLS season, scoring two goals and putting up five assists as CF Montréal reached the Eastern Conference semifinal.

“This kid is special,” former Montreal Impact midfielder Rocco Placentino, the technical director of Koné’s youth club, told the Montreal Gazette. “He doesn’t fear who’s in front of him; that’s one of his best qualities. He’s the same in practice and games. The more he plays with, or against, better players, the better he becomes. He’s attracted to talent and is getting better.”

Koné, who was born in Côte d’Ivoire and grew up in N.D.G., was the subject of interest from foreign clubs throughout the season.

Norwich City came close to a deal for the young midfielder in July and fellow Championship club Sheffield United was reportedly close in September.

In reporting Koné’s transfer to Watford, Romano said there had also been offers from Italian, German and Dutch clubs.

Koné’s exit would be the latest for a CF Montréal side that impressed throughout the MLS season and has seen its key players targeted by foreign teams.

Midfielder Djordje Mihailovic is headed to AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie. Right back Alistair Johnston, who was with Koné in the Canadian squad at the World Cup, is being sold to Celtic in Scotland, the team confirmed Saturday.

  1. Rocco Placentino, technical director of the CS St-Laurent club on the field at the Centre sportif Ville St-Laurent on November 23, 2022, prior to his departure for Qatar on Friday.

    Tears of joy for St-Laurent's Placentino as Koné debuts in World Cup

  2. Team Canada defender Alistair Johnston heads the ball during a World Cup Group F match between Canada and Morocco at Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha on Dec. 1, 2022.

    CF Montréal's Alistair Johnston heading to Scottish club Celtic FC