Amadou Koné is set to continue his professional career in Saudi Arabia after Stade de Reims confirmed the departure of the Malian midfielder to Neom SC.
The 20-year-old, who joined Reims in 2023, has agreed terms with the Saudi Arabian second division club following a season of rapid progression with the French side.
Reims announced on Monday that a full agreement had been reached between the two clubs, allowing Koné to finalise his move to the Middle East.
Koné made his professional debut for Reims in October 2023 during a Ligue 1 fixture against Toulouse, and quickly established himself as a promising talent in the midfield.
Over the course of his time in France, he made 48 appearances in all competitions, including 30 matches in the top flight last season.
His performances did not go unnoticed, both for his strong physical presence and his intelligence on the ball.
In an official statement, Stade de Reims highlighted the player’s contribution and his standout statistics over the past year, underlining his impact on the pitch.
“So many opportunities for him to demonstrate his physical impact and his game intelligence, with statistics to back it up,” the club said.
“Among the five major European leagues, he was among the top four U23 midfielders for the highest percentage of defensive duels won.
He also featured in the top four U21 midfielders for dribble success rate.”
These impressive figures reflect the level of consistency and maturity Koné displayed throughout the season, establishing himself as one of the most effective young midfielders in Ligue 1.
His ability to read the game, break up play, and contribute going forward made him a valuable asset for Reims, who now see him leave after just one season at the club.
The move to Neom SC marks a significant step in Koné’s career, offering him a new challenge in an emerging football market. Neom SC, part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing investment in sport, will now benefit from the qualities of a player who has already demonstrated potential at the top level of European football.
Koné’s transfer is indicative of the growing appeal of Saudi clubs to young talents from Europe, particularly as the country continues to invest heavily in developing its domestic league.
For the midfielder, the move offers regular playing time, a central role in a new project, and the opportunity to continue his development in a different footballing environment.
While Reims lose a player who was quickly becoming a key figure in their squad, the club acknowledged his departure with appreciation. “Undeniable qualities that he will now put to the service of the Saudi club Neom,” the club added.
Amadou Koné leaves France with a reputation as one of the brightest young midfielders to have emerged from Ligue 1 in the past season.
His journey now continues in Saudi Arabia, where he will look to further cement his place as a rising talent on the international stage.
