Canada
This article was added by the user . TheWorldNews is not responsible for the content of the platform.

CF Montréal remake continues as Ismaël Koné sold to Watford FC

The 20-year-old Montrealer is the latest of the team's key players to be sold to a European team after an impressive season.

CF Montreal midfielder Ismael Koné (28) reacts after scoring a goal against the Chicago Fire during the first half at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022.
CF Montreal midfielder Ismael Koné (28) reacts after scoring a goal against the Chicago Fire during the first half at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. Photo by Mike Dinovo /USA TODAY Sports

CF Montréal midfielder Ismaël Koné has been transferred to Watford FC in the English Championship, the MLS side announced Monday.

The 20 year old, who was born in Ivory Coast and grew up in N.D.G., enjoyed a breakout season in 2022 — appearing in 26 games and scoring twice as CF Montréal reached the Eastern Conference semifinal.

Since the Montreal Canadiens making the Stanley Cup finals for the first time in 28 years, this newsletter is the dedicated Montreal Canadiens fan's source for exclusive Habs content, insight and analysis.

By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300

He joined CF Montréal in 2021 from CS St-Laurent. His technical director at the youth club, former Montreal Impact midfielder Rocco Placentino, recently told the Gazette “The kid is special. … The more he plays with, or against, better players, the better he becomes.”

Koné was Canada’s youngest player at the World Cup, appearing as a substitute in all three group stage matches.

“I grew as a player, but also off the field. I had a lot to learn, but the people here helped me develop,” Koné said in a statement. “I’m grateful because I had the opportunity to begin my career at home.”

While CF Montréal did not announce the transfer fee Watford is paying for Koné, it was previously reported as the largest fee in club history.

Koné is the latest player from this season’s impressive CF Montréal side to move on to a European team.

Midfielder Djordje Mihailovic signed for AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie. The team confirmed on Saturday that right back Alistair Johnston, who was with Koné in the Canadian squad at the World Cup, had been sold to Celtic in Scotland.

  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