RB Leipzig announced on their official website on Thursday that the club have signed young France U20s international defender Abdoul Koné from Reims.

According to Leipzig's official statement, Koné has signed on a long-term five-and-a-half-year deal with the club which runs until the summer of 2031. He will be immediately loaned back to Reims until the end of the season and will officially join the team when the summer transfer window opens on July 1st.

Furthermore, according to Sky Sports' resident renowned German transfer journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Bundesliga powerhouse paid Reims a transfer fee of €16 million to sign Koné, not including up to €2 million in performance-related bonuses.

After completing his transfer, Koné, who was interviewed by Leipzig's official website for the first time, said: "I am very happy to join RB Leipzig, to start a new chapter in my career, and to begin playing for the club this summer. The team's playing style and overall philosophy perfectly match my personal development goals."

"Leipzig enjoys a very high reputation internationally, especially in France. In recent years, many young players have proven that here, both as footballers and as individuals, they can achieve tremendous development. I especially think of the French players in my position who have proven that anything is possible in such an excellent environment as Leipzig."

"I'm already looking forward to the summer, but before that, I will give my all to help Reims complete this season as smoothly as possible."

About Abdoul Koné

Koné, who is only still 20 years old, was born on April 22, 2005, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. He is 1.92 meters tall, primarily plays as a center-back, but can also play as a right-back. He holds dual French and Ivorian citizenship.

Koné played for the youth academies of several non-league clubs in Paris during his childhood. He joined Paris FC's youth academy in 2021 but was released in the summer of 2023.

After leaving Paris FC, Koné joined Reims as a free agent and completed his Reims first-team debut in May 2024 in the match against Marseille.

During his two-and-a-half-year spell with Reims, Koné has made 26 appearances for the Ligue 2 club in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing two assists.

Image source: Internet / RB Leipzig official website