Will Sassuolo Sign Isamel Kone Permanently? Canadian Star’s Future Takes Interesting Turn After Strong Start In Serie A

Sassuolo will be keeping a close eye on their star midfielder, Ismael Kone, as the Canadian international’s spell in Serie A could face a major change in 2026.

Will Sassuolo Sign Ismael Kone Permanently?

The 23-year-old midfielder joined Sassuolo on loan ahead of the current 2025/26 season, as the Canadian was unable to get regular playing time in Marseille.

Kone’s move to Serie A may have been agreed on a temporary basis, but this deal could turn into a permanent switch if Sassuolo meet a specific objective.

Fabio Grosso’s side will have to pay €12.5 million to Marseille if they manage to avoid relegation from Italy’s top-flight, as this would trigger the obligatory buy-option.

Maintaining their place in Serie A was somewhat of a dream for Sassuolo at the beginning of the season after earning promotion from Italy’s second division in 2024/25.

However, the Neroverdi have made a superb start to the 2025/26 campaign after picking up 16-points from 11 matches and sitting eighth in the table.

Sassuolo’s most recent league encounter saw one of the shock results of the season, as Grosso’s men thrashed Atalanta 3-0 away from home.

This result brought an end to Ivan Juric’s run as Atalanta manager, as La Dea replaced the former Southampton boss with Raffaele Palladino who is already looking ahead to the January window.

Beating Atalanta means that Sassuolo have now won five matches in Serie A this season and are six-points clear of the relegation zone going into the international break.

If the Neroverdi can maintain this level of performance in Serie A, then they will have no choice but to sign Ismael Kone on a permanent basis for next season.

The Canadian has started in nine Serie A matches this season, impressing on each occasion and fans are now viewing the €12.5m as a bargain.

Are Any Other Serie A Sides Interested In Ismael Kone?

If Kone does move to Serie A on a permanent basis then it is unlikely that he will join any other side than Sassuolo, however, his current level of performance could attract interest from one of the elite Italian outfits.

Sassuolo’s current form shows no signs of a relegation-battling team, but should the Neroverdi take their foot of the gas and drop down the table then Kone will have a decision to make.

The former CF Montreal player will not want to return to Marseille after falling-out with Roberto De Zerbi and his form in Italy highlights how well Serie A suits his playing-style.

Kone’s future is also not guaranteed if Sassuolo stay in Serie A, as another interested party could make an offer for the Canadian next summer after the Neroverdi pay €12.5m.

Napoli are currently on the hunt for a Kevin De Bruyne replacement, as the Belgian midfielder has been ruled out until March 2026 following a hamstring injury.

Although Kone would not be able to move until the 2026 summer window, Antonio Conte will be well-aware that De Bruyne is not getting any younger and could suffer more injuries next season.

The Serie A champions would need to make an offer that exceeds €12.5m, which should not be an issue given the quality that Kone has shown this season.

Alternatively, both AC Milan and Inter Milan will be searching for a new central midfielder next summer, as a host of their star players will be out of contract in Serie A during 2026.

Will Ismael Kone Play For Canada At 2026 World Cup?

Kone’s move away from Marseille may have stemmed from a poor relationship with Roberto De Zerbi, but the 23-year-old was also searching for regular playing-time ahead of next year’s World Cup.

The iconic soccer tournament will head to North America as the United States, Canada and Mexico act as the host nations – something Kone will not want to miss.

During his career, the Sassuolo loanee has accumulated 35 caps for the Canadian national team and is expected to be one of Jesse Marsch’s key men.

Kone has started in four consecutive matches for Canada during their most recent international outings and the 23-year-old will be hoping to make a name for himself on his return to North America.