Malian midfielder Sékou Koné “Baa” is closing in on a permanent move to Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls after the club opened talks with his current owners.
The 18-year-old joined New York Red Bulls in February on loan from Yeleen Olympique Academy in Bamako and has since made progress through the club’s system.
The MLS side have now reportedly tabled a concrete offer to the management of the Malian academy as they look to make Koné’s move permanent.
Negotiations are continuing, with those close to the player expressing confidence that an agreement will eventually be reached.
Koné has already taken the next step in his development by making appearances for New York Red Bulls’ first team.
The defensive midfielder initially impressed with the club’s reserve side, where his performances earned him an opportunity with the senior squad.
His first-team debut came in the 2-0 defeat by Los Angeles FC, giving the teenager his first taste of MLS football.
Despite the defeat, the appearance represented another important milestone for the Mali youth international as he continues his development in the United States.
Koné has been praised for his discipline and fighting spirit since joining the New York club.
Those qualities have helped him establish himself with Red Bulls II in MLS Next Pro, where he made 17 appearances and registered one assist.
His performances at reserve level subsequently earned him the trust of the first-team set-up.
The midfielder’s development has also increased the likelihood of New York Red Bulls securing his long-term future, with discussions now taking place over a permanent transfer.
Koné’s current contract with Yeleen Olympique Academy is due to expire on 31 December 2026, adding further importance to the ongoing negotiations between the two parties.
A concrete proposal is already on the table, and discussions with the Bamako-based academy are continuing.
Those close to Koné remain confident that the process will result in a permanent agreement with the MLS club.
The teenager’s progression comes after his move from Mali to the United States on loan earlier this year.
His performances for Red Bulls II provided the foundation for his promotion to the first team, where he has now made his debut.
The opportunity gives the Malian midfielder a platform to continue developing in the MLS environment while competing for a place in the New York Red Bulls senior squad.
