West Ham have “taken note” of Watford midfielder Ismael Kone following his performance for Canada against France in June, according to The Athletic.
In a transfer tracker piece dedicated to the Canada squad on 23 June, The Athletic reported that Kone’s displays against France and the Netherlands in pre-Copa America friendlies were his “best ever” for the national team.
The Hammers are reportedly one of several top European clubs keeping tabs on Kone, who showed “glimpses of his game-changing ability” against France and is a unique player in Canada’s squad.
Kone, playing in the Championship with Watford, will test himself against “top competition” in the upcoming Copa America, and more impressive performances could see other clubs join the hunt.
Ismael Kone transfer would suit West Ham United
As a player with physical attributes, smooth dribbling and passing ability that set him apart from the rest of his Canadian compatriots, Kone is shaping up to be a key player at this year’s Copa America.
Four goals from midfield in 42 Championship outings for Watford last seasonalso suggest that Kone is well-rounded enough to be a hit as part of Julen Lopetegui’s new-look side at the London Stadium [Evening Standard, 8 May].
In a Hammers team that looked very disjointed at times last season between a leaky defence and often isolated attack, bringing in Kone could help to bridge those gaps and produce a more cohesive setup.
Lopetegui is already well-stocked for central midfielders with Tomas Soucek, James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez all close to being first-choice starters, but like he’s shown for Canada, adding Kone to the mix would bring an entirely new profile to the Irons’ squad [Sport, 22 June].
