That is according to the Saturday edition of Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, who have reported that Roma boss Daniele De Rossi and his staff have identified the Canadian international as a target to bolster their midfield.
Kone’s profile ‘fully represents the needs’ of Roma, according to the report, but claims that it is not yet fully decided if De Rossi’s side will approach him in the summer.
The Canada international has been a key player for the Hornets since his arrival from CF Montréal on a four-and-a-half year deal in December 2022, but following their 15th-placed in the Championship in 2023/24, there may be a need to cash in on another top player at Vicarage Road – much like last summer with Joao Pedro and Ismaila Sarr exiting.
Given that the 21-year-old plays for Lille and is under the same management as Canadian Jonathan David, the Giallorossi’s top summer target, Corriere believes Roma has already discussed a deal with Koné’s agency.
In order to help the team improve on a disappointing 2023–24 season in which they finished sixth in Serie A, De Rossi has reportedly reiterated his desire to bring in “at least one additional box–to–box midfielder with pace and goal–scoring abilities.” De Rossi has previously criticized the midfield options left to him by former manager Jose Mourinho.Given that he scored four goals in 2023–2024—including Watford’s November Goal of the Month—and recorded three assists in 42 games the previous season, Kone would be the ideal addition for De Rossi.
According to FBref, in 2023/24 he was in the 89th percentile for ‘completed live-ball passes that lead to a goal,’ and ‘fouls drawn,’ and the 98th percentile for ‘passes completed over 30 yards’ when compared to all other midfielders in the Championship.
In addition, the 21-year-old’s international experience will win over De Rossi and Roma. He represented Canada in all three of their World Cup matches and was later named the men’s 2022 Canada Soccer Young Player of the Year for his outstanding play.
Watford will not want to lose Ismael Kone this summer
The Hornets will not be in any rush to sanction an exit for Kone, with the three years left on his deal putting them in a good position when it comes to any possible negotiations.
Kone is a full international with his best years well and truly ahead of him, and along with Yaser Asprilla is the asset that could command the biggest transfer fees at Vicarage Road.
You’d imagine that Watford would want north of £10 million for any potential sale of the Canadian, and that sort of valuation could be a potential stumbling block in any deal with Roma.
You can never say never though in football, and if the Italian side do come calling, then it will be difficult for Kone to not have his head turned by the possibility of playing European football.
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