RB Leipzig sign promising centre-back Abdoul Koné from Stade Reims
RB Leipzig have signed 21-year-old centre back Abdoul Koné on a five-and-a-half year deal from Stade Reims.
The France U20 international will be spending the remainder of the season on loan at Ligue 2 outfit Reims, where he's made 18 appearances this campaign, before joining up with Ole Werner’s side in the summer having impressed in his homeland over the past couple of seasons.
His development into a key figure at the heart of the Reims defence started in the 2023/24 season, when he made his Ligue 1 debut for the club in a 1-0 win over Marseille. He made six more appearances for them in France’s top tier, before becoming a mainstay in their defence after their relegation to the second division at the end of 2024/25.
"We’re delighted to have secured the signing of Abdoul at this early stage despite strong competition and to have added a real talent in the centre-back position," said managing director Marcel Schäfer.
"He’s a tall, physical defender with real strength in duels and in the air, combined with exceptional pace over longer distances.
"Abdoul is also very composed in possession, likes to be involved in build-up play and brings a consistently high level of intensity. Thanks to his profile, he can also operate out on the right. He’ll finish this season in Reims, continue his development there and then join us from the summer."
The young defender made his France U20 debut at the start of 2025 against Japan and he has collected a further three caps since then, where he has played alongside new Leipzig teammate Tidiam Gomis.
"I’m really happy to be taking the next step in my career by joining RB Leipzig and to be able to play for the club from the summer onwards," said Leipzig's new signing.
"The club’s style of play and overall philosophy fit perfectly with my personal development goals."
Koné joins a strong French contingent at Leipzig including El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Castello Lukeba, Tidiam Gomis and Samba Konaté.
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