Fabrizio Romano says Man Utd have ‘100 per cent’ agreed deal for surprise summer signing nobody saw coming

Manchester United are finally on the verge of securing a new midfielder, with a deal for an 18-year-old wonderkid reportedly ‘100 per cent’ confirmed.

Central midfield posed a significant challenge for Man United last season, and Erik ten Hag’s inability to address the issue likely contributed to the club’s worst top-flight campaign in over three decades.

United spent £70 million to bring Casemiro from Real Madrid in 2022, but last season, he appeared to be a player nearing the end of his elite-level career.

While Kobbie Mainoo has immense potential, he is not the holding No.6 United urgently requires.

In a bid to address this problem long-term, United are preparing to sign a relatively unknown 18-year-old, hoping he will anchor their midfield for the foreseeable future.

On Thursday, Fabrizio Romano announced that a deal is “100 per cent agreed and done” for Sekou Kone, a Mali under-17s international.

United are set to pay Malian club Guidars FC £1 million—plus performance-based add-ons—for the promising youngster, after fending off interest from several other top clubs.

Kone will undergo his medical next week before linking up with United’s under-21s squad. Kone fits into United’s long-term strategy, similar to Chido Obi Martin, who joined from Arsenal earlier this month.

As per The Athletic, United recognizes that Kone may need time to adjust to the cultural shift of moving from Mali to the UK, so they will take a “gradual approach to his integration.”

Kone made a strong impression at last year’s under-17s FIFA World Cup in Indonesia, where Mali defeated Argentina to secure third place.

The young talent has a connection to Tottenham Hotspur and Mali international Yves Bissouma, as both players began their careers at the JMG academy in Bamako, Mali.

United remain hopeful of signing Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain before the transfer window shuts next week.