In a recent report, The Athletic stated that West Ham United are in the running to land Watford midfielder Ismael Kone this summer. It has been mentioned that the Hammers are keeping tabs on the Canadian international ahead of a potential move in this transfer period.
Kone’s Decent Form At Vicarage Road
Kone had an impressive season at the Hertfordshire club recently as he managed to put in a run of decent displays for them in the middle of the park. The 22-year-old found the back of the net four times and picked up three assists in 46 matches for Watford in the previous campaign in multiple competitions.
The Canadian talent has been a decent contributor at the centre of the park based on his average of 1.1 shots, 0.8 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game in the EFL Championship. He has even been excellent with his ball distribution after completing 86.1% of his attempted passes in the second tier of English football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at Vicarage Road will run out in the summer of 2027 which could make it difficult for the Hammers to sign him on a cut-price deal in this transfer window.
Should West Ham United Boss Julen Lopetegui Move In For Kone?
Kone can shoot the ball with power and precision from long range and has got the vision to create a few promising chances for his teammates in the final third. He is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet and can chip in by scoring and creating a handful of important goals for his team from midfield.
However, the Canadian talent needs to contribute more defensively if he wants to be a world-class midfielder someday. Furthermore, there are some concerns over whether he can maintain his good form in Premier League football.
Kone would bring more energy and dynamism to West Ham‘s midfield department. He is good enough to challenge for a regular first-team spot at the London Stadium in the coming years. Therefore, Julen Lopetegui would be wise to move in for Kone in this summer transfer period.
At 22, Kone has the potential to be a future star in English football which makes a great choice for the Hammers to consider in the long run.
