Ismael Konate: Empolis Italian-Ivorian forward linked with Juve Next Gen move

Ismael Konate, the Italian-Ivorian centre-forward currently at FC Empoli, is being linked with a move to Juventus second team, Juve Next Gen, in Serie C. The 20-year-old, who has featured in both Serie A and Serie B, is understood to be under consideration as the Turin club assess attacking options for their development squad.

Konate returned to Empoli this summer following a loan spell at Lecco in the 2025-26 campaign, a move that saw him gain further senior experience after breaking through from youth football. His rights remain with Empoli, who signed him from Cagliaris under-20 side in August 2024 in a deal worth 100,000.

The Lecco-born striker has accumulated senior minutes across Italys top three divisions, including appearances in Serie A, Serie B and Serie C, as well as in the Coppa Italia. His most productive spell to date came in Serie C, where he scored four goals and added three assists in 14 league appearances, underlining his impact at that level.

At youth level, Konate built a reputation as a consistent contributor in front of goal, notably scoring nine times in nine Under-18 matches in one campaign. Standing at 1.83m and preferring his right foot, he has also logged more than 60 appearances in the Primavera 1 championship.

Konates current market value is listed at around 1m, a figure that would make any deal a relatively low-cost investment for Juve Next Gen. Empoli, who brought him back from loan at the end of June, retain the player under contract as discussions over his next step continue.