Benjamin Lhassine Koné is attracting interest from Serie A and Serie B, with Sassuolo and Sampdoria reportedly making moves to sign the Ivorian midfielder, who remains out of favour at Como.
The 25-year-old, who was initially loaned to Como from Torino in July 2023, made his move permanent at the end of the 2023/24 season.
He signed a contract that runs until June 2027, but his lack of playing time has led to growing uncertainty over his future at the Lombardy-based club.
Koné spent the latter half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Frosinone, in search of regular minutes, but returns this summer to find his standing in the squad unchanged.
With Como manager Cesc Fàbregas reportedly not including the Ivorian in his plans for the upcoming season, the club may be open to parting ways with the player if a suitable offer is made.
Both Sassuolo and Sampdoria are said to be monitoring the situation closely. The two Italian sides have expressed interest in bringing Koné in, with early approaches reportedly made to both the player and Como. While neither club has confirmed an agreement, negotiations are believed to be progressing.
Valued at €500,000 on Transfermarkt, Koné could represent a low-risk, high-reward option for clubs looking to strengthen their midfield depth with a technically gifted and energetic presence.
Having emerged from Torino’s system, Koné showed early promise with flashes of creativity and drive in the middle of the park.
However, recurring injuries and limited opportunities have stalled his development in recent seasons.
His move to Como was seen as a chance to relaunch his career, but limited appearances have made it difficult for him to establish himself as a regular contributor.
Now eyeing a return to consistent playing time, Koné is reportedly open to a move, especially with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon.
The Ivorian midfielder is said to be eager to feature regularly at club level in order to boost his chances of earning a call-up to the national team for the continental tournament.
Sassuolo, known for developing young talent and offering a platform for attacking football, could provide the ideal environment for Koné to rediscover his form.
Sampdoria, on the other hand, are focused on strengthening their squad to mount a serious challenge in Serie B and return to Italy’s top flight.
For Como, offloading a player not central to their tactical plans could provide financial flexibility and allow them to reinvest in areas more aligned with their current needs under Fàbregas.
As interest intensifies, Benjamin Lhassine Koné’s future could soon be decided. Whether he moves to Sassuolo, Sampdoria, or elsewhere, his next destination is likely to play a crucial role in reviving his career and enhancing his international prospects with Ivory Coast.
