Aston Villa sign Ivorian midfielder Mohamed Koné from ASEC Mimosas

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Ivorian midfielder Mohamed Koné from ASEC Mimosas.

A statement from the Premier League club confirmed: “Aston Villa is pleased to announce the signing of Mohamed Koné from ASEC Mimosas.

“A highly-rated midfielder who has attracted plenty of admirers, Koné joins from one of the leading clubs and academies in Ivory Coast. ASEC Mimosas have produced several high-profile players over the years including the likes of Yaya and Kolo Touré and more recently Odilon Kossounou, Karim Konaté and Touré Bazoumana.

“An Under-20 and Under-23 international for his country, Koné graduated from the ASEC’s MimoSifcom Academy and then became a part of the ASEC first team at the age of just 17.

Koné has been playing for Aston Villa U-21s team

“Kone spent a number of weeks at Bodymoor Heath prior to joining the club officially in the summer and he has been playing with the Aston Villa Under-21s team since the start of this season, recently scoring his first competitive goal against Peterborough United in the Vertu Trophy.”

The statement concluded: “Mohamed’s move to Villa is a symbol of the close relationship between Aston Villa and ASEC and signals the start of a productive relationship.

“As part of this ongoing relationship, the Club have also invited ASEC to play matches in the UK as well as to Cairo for tournaments at our partner club, ZED FC.”