Aston Villa secure signing of Ivorian midfielder Mohamed Koné from ASEC Mimosas

Aston Villa have confirmed the arrival of Mohamed Koné from Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas, underlining their growing relationship with one of Africa’s most celebrated academies.

Koné, an Under-23 international with Ivory Coast, is regarded as one of the most promising midfielders to emerge from the MimoSifcom Academy in recent years.

He made his first-team breakthrough with ASEC at just 17, following the path of illustrious graduates such as Yaya and Kolo Touré, Odilon Kossounou, Karim Konaté and Touré Bazoumana.

He has already spent time at Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training base and has been integrated into the club’s U21 squad since the start of the campaign.

His adaptation has been swift, highlighted by a first competitive goal in the Vertu Trophy clash against Peterborough United.

Villa believe Koné’s signing reflects not only his individual potential but also the deeper strategic ties they are developing with ASEC.

The two clubs have strengthened their cooperation in recent months, with Villa positioning themselves to benefit from ASEC’s proven track record in talent development.

A club statement described Koné as “a highly-rated midfielder who has attracted plenty of admirers,” and said the partnership with ASEC would extend beyond player transfers.

Plans are in place for ASEC to participate in tournaments in the UK and Cairo, the latter through Villa’s affiliated side, ZED FC.

The move highlights Villa’s commitment to tapping into emerging markets for football talent while offering ASEC’s players a pathway into European football.

It also reinforces the Premier League club’s investment in youth as they continue to build depth beneath Unai Emery’s first-team squad.

For Koné, the challenge now will be to translate his promise at youth level into progression towards senior football in England.

His background at ASEC, where discipline and technical ability are drilled from an early age, has prepared him for the step up.