Borussia have signed Kouadio Koné from French Ligue 2 side Toulouse FC. The 19-year-old will remain at Toulouse on loan until 30th June 20201, before joining the Gladbach in pre-season ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
The 19-year-old defensive midfielder completed his medical at BORUSSIA-PARK on Tuesday and Wednesday, before signing a contract until 2025. The club has the option of extending that deal for another year. Koné will initially remain in France on loan until 30th June 2021 before joining up with the Foals ahead of the 2021/22 season. “Kouadio Koné is a really interesting player, who we have been following for some time now for the France youth national teams and his club Toulouse,” said Borussia sporting director Max Eberl. “He is a huge talent who has been monitored by top clubs from across Europe. We’re delighted that he has chosen to join Borussia Mönchengladbach and the Bundesliga.” Koné shares his excitement: “I’m really happy to be here. I was really interested to join Borussia. I think I can develop a lot here and want to learn a lot.”
Professional debut at 18
The Frenchman, with Ivorian roots, started playing in his hometown of Villeneuve-la-Garenne at the age of six. He joined the academy at Toulouse FC in 2016 following spells at Paris FC and AC de Boulogne-Billancourt. After two years with the U19s, he was promoted to the reserves in 2018/19, before making his first team debut for the then Ligue 1 side on matchday 38.
The following season, he made 13 appearances in the top-flight, two in the league cup (1 goal) and one in the Coupe de France. Now an established member of the first team, Koné has played 18 games for Toulouse in the second tier this season, scoring one goal. The 19-year-old has made seven appearances for the France U18 national team.
