This new season for Marseillais is crazy. From the fight between Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe to the multiple failures of the group led by Habib Beye, including the departures of Roberto De Zerbi and Pablo Longoria, the true-false departure of Medhi Benatia and many other things, Olympique de Marseille went through all the states in 2025-26. And it’s not over yet. Some players must say to themselves that they certainly did well to jump ship during the last transfer window. This was not necessarily Adrien Rabiot’s primary desire. But after his brawl in the locker room in Rennes, the Duke was able to bounce back perfectly at AC Milan, where he is considered indispensable. His in-ring opponent, Jonathan Rowe, can say the same. He is having a blast with Bologna, who is already being courted by several teams. Italy also loves Ismaël Koné.
A complicated transition to OM
A player who experienced certain difficulties in the Marseille city. Arriving at the 2024 summer transfer window, the former Watford player had not really had many opportunities to express himself. Nine matches in all competitions, before being loaned to Stade Rennais. Once the season ended, he was the subject of a paying loan of €2.5 million to Sassuolo with a purchase obligation (in the event of continuation) of €10 million and a percentage in the event of resale for OM. In February, the Italian team exercised its purchase option and completed its final arrival for €13 million. It must be said that Sassuolo wanted to shield the 23-year-old Canadian as quickly as possible, author of a good year in Serie A where he has already become a sure bet after 33 appearances in all competitions (32 starts, 6 goals). Indeed, many clubs are already knocking on the door of players under contract until 2030.
Among them, we find AC Milan. A few days ago, La Gazzetta dello Sport revealed that the Rossoneri are counting on a sale of Youssouf Fofana this summer in order to recruit the former OM player. A footballer and a happy man as he admitted this Thursday during a long interview at the GoS. He also started by explaining what he knew about Sassuolo before signing there. “I knew Berardi. At Euro 2021, he was in great shape. While looking for his team, I discovered Sassuolo. From then on, I always followed his results, even without knowing in which zone he was operating. But believe me, outside of Italy, Sassuolo rhymes with Berardi. I found a club here that supported me at every level. I only had one idea in mind: to have fun and play well. And the season even exceeded my expectations.” Beyond his impact in the midfield and on the game, he piled up the goals. Six. Which he had never done before.
Koné lets loose his truths on RDZ and Marseille
” It’s true. At Sassuolo I understood that I had to change my approach to the game, even off the pitch. I trained with the team, then I go home where a fitness trainer is waiting for me. I work with him every day in a room in the house converted into a gym. It’s these details that make the difference. Compared to before, I pay attention to my diet and my sleep. I’m doing everything I can to be a better player. The goals are one of the consequences.” Something to rejoice his trainer Fabio Grosso. “We have a great relationship. It’s a human relationship, not just a technical one. I communicate easily with him. Grosso understands where I want to go, where I need to progress. In addition to being a great coach, he is a great person. When you work with people like him, everything is easier.”
Before him, Koné played under the orders of another Italian technician. Roberto DeZerbi. “We are two football enthusiasts, but with different visions. He is truly incredibly passionate. At the time, I was going through a difficult time and probably wasn’t in a position to immediately give him what he wanted. I had a great time in Marseille. It was a great experience. I remember the talent of my teammates and the warmth of the supporters. I will never be grateful enough for what I experienced there, even if things didn’t turn out the way I hoped. I will never say bad things about Roberto. Maybe he could have been more patient with me, and I could have avoided reacting. These are things that happen. It was an argument like so many others. He wants to touch the ball once or twice in midfield, but I need a little freedom. I want to be in the game. He knew it, but that day he got angry. »
A transfer to a big club this summer?
He then mentioned the broadcast of the video of this discussion. “It was Marseille’s decision. I didn’t know that they would include it in the documentary celebrating this very special season, that of the return to the Champions League. This episode didn’t change me. I know where I come from. I was sorry that this might have an impact on those around me. And there is something that no one knows (…) Two weeks ago, I went to London with two teammates. I met Roberto there, who hugged me tightly. We talked about everything and nothing, as if nothing had happened. Sometimes social networks and the media give disproportionate importance to everything. The Canadian is not necessarily resentful, he who is moving calmly towards a summer of 2026 which risks being turbulent. Concerning his future, he admitted that he does not yet know much more.
“Honestly, I don’t know. We’ll see, but I’m focusing on what I have to do. I am happy to be at Sassuolo and to have the trust of the club. And then there is the World Cup. » A tournament in which he will participate for the second time. “I am very surprised by the absence of Italy, because your national team is very talented. I’m happy. I participated in the World Cup in Qatar and I have around twenty matches under my belt. I now have a better understanding of the event. Three months ago, I did not realize the scale of what we are going to experience and organize. The last time I was in Canada, I felt the general enthusiasm. I can’t wait for it to start, because the team has progressed, and so have I. I know how much I have improved over the last four years, and I thank God for giving me this opportunity again.” Life after OM is going rather well for Koné.
