Ismael Konate: Italy-Ivory Coast forward joins Juve Next Gen from Empoli

Italy and Ivory Coast-eligible forward Ismael Konate has joined Juve Next Gen from Empoli, signing a contract with the Turin club until 30 June 2029. The 20-year-old centre-forward makes the move after spending last season on the books of the Serie B side.

Konate, born in Lecco and standing at 1.83m, operates primarily through the middle of the attack and is right-footed. He arrives with senior experience across Serie A, Serie B and Serie C, as well as an extensive record in youth football. His switch sees him move into Juventus’ second team structure in Serie C – Girone A.

The striker originally came through the ranks at Lecco’s youth system before leaving for Cagliari as a teenager. He progressed through Cagliari’s age groups from U17 to U20, earning a move to Empoli in August 2024. Earlier this year he returned briefly to hometown club Lecco on loan, gaining further first-team minutes before heading back to Tuscany.

Across league and cup competitions in his young career, Konate has already accumulated more than 130 appearances. He has been particularly productive at Under-18 level, scoring nine goals in nine matches in one campaign, and has also found the net in Serie C with four goals and three assists in 14 outings.

Rated at around €1 million, Konate now links up with Juve Next Gen as he enters the next phase of his development, with his deal in Turin running through the 2028-29 season.