Cheick Kone: Ivory Coast and United States forward joins Ethnikos Lats on free transfer

Ivory Coast and United States centre-forward Cheick Kone has joined Ethnikos Lats on a free transfer from FK Bylis U19.

The 20-year-old completed the move on 20 August 2026 and has signed a contract running until 31 May 2027. Kone, who was born in New York City, becomes the latest step in a career that has taken him through youth football in England, the United States and Albania.

Kone left FK Bylis U19 after spending seven months with the Albanian club. He moved there from OCSC Academy in January 2026, also on a free transfer, following an earlier spell with Orange County.

His most productive recorded campaign came in the Under-18 Premier League, where he scored five goals and provided two assists in 23 appearances. He also made senior-level appearances in the United Soccer League Championship and USL Cup, registering one assist in each competition.

Kone began his development with West Bromwich Albion’s youth system before moving to the club’s Under-18 side in July 2024. He subsequently joined Hartpury College, then OCSC Academy, where he spent time before making a loan move to Orange County in June 2025.

That loan ended in November 2025, with Kone returning to OCSC Academy before his transfer to FK Bylis U19. His switch to Ethnikos Lats marks another international move for a player who has been used as a central striker throughout his recorded career.

The 1.83m forward is right-footed and joins the Cyprus-based club with his new contract already in place. Kone’s move from FK Bylis U19 to Ethnikos Lats was completed without a transfer fee.