Al-Ittihad Eye Leipzig Defender Abdoul Kone
The Saudi club is reportedly considering a January move for the 21-year-old centre-back, who has seen little action at RB Leipzig.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Soccer
Saudi club Al-Ittihad is reportedly monitoring RB Leipzig centre-back Abdoul Kone ahead of a possible January transfer. The 21-year-old has made just one three-minute appearance for Leipzig this season.
Why it matters
Kone signed for 21 million euros from Stade Reims last January but has barely featured since arriving, a situation that could prompt an exit. The report, from the Foot Mercato website, reflects growing interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia's league in established young European players.
Kone has made 28 appearances in France's second division and holds four France under-20 caps, but has played just three minutes for Leipzig this season. Whether Leipzig would sell him in January remains unconfirmed.
The players
Abdoul Kone
Kone is a 21-year-old French centre-back who has represented France at under-20 level and also holds Ivorian nationality.
RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig is a German Bundesliga club based in Leipzig that signed Kone from Stade Reims and is now managing his limited playing time.
Al-Ittihad
Al-Ittihad is a Saudi Arabian professional football club based in Jeddah that is reportedly weighing a January move for Kone.
The details
According to the Foot Mercato website, Al-Ittihad has set its sights on Kone for the upcoming winter window and is weighing a move as early as next January. Kone, who also holds Ivorian nationality, moved to Germany last summer after Leipzig loaned him back to Stade Reims for the rest of the season.
Timeline
January 2025: Leipzig signs Kone from Stade Reims for 21 million euros.
Summer 2025: Kone moves from Reims to Leipzig.
24 October 2025: Kone makes a three-minute cameo against Elversberg, a 4-0 Leipzig win.
January 2026: Al-Ittihad could make a move for Kone during the winter window.
Season Trajectory
Saudi clubs have been pursuing European players as the Saudi Pro League expands its roster strength. Al-Ittihad's interest in Kone fits that pattern of targeting young defenders who have had limited minutes at top European clubs.
A January sale would open a regular first-team spot for Kone elsewhere, which could matter to fantasy managers tracking young defenders. Leipzig would also need to replace a squad player if he departs.
The takeaway
Young players who see little game time at top clubs often become transfer targets, and Kone's situation shows how quickly a big-money move can lead to a search for a new club. Readers tracking the winter window should watch for official confirmation from either club.
What happens next
The winter transfer window is expected to open in January, when any formal approach from Al-Ittihad for Kone could be made.
Further reading
For more on the transfer market, see our Soccer coverage.
