---
title: "West Ham join Leeds in race to sign 21-year-old midfielder"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/07/31/west-ham-join-leeds-in-race-to-sign-21-year-old-midfielder/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2026-07-31T11:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-07-31T11:00:00Z"
---

# West Ham join Leeds in race to sign 21-year-old midfielder

**West Ham interest in Amadou Koné has emerged as Nuno Espírito Santo looks to strengthen his midfield before the Championship campaign begins.**

The Hammers are monitoring the 21-year-old following an impressive first season with Saudi Pro League side NEOM.

Leeds United are also interested, while Serie A club Atalanta appreciate the Ivory Coast Under-23 international’s profile. No offer or negotiations involving West Ham have been reported.

> 🚨🔵🇨🇮 [#SPL](https://x.com/hashtag/SPL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) |\
> \
> 💎 Amadou Koné fait l’objet de nombreux intérêts. \
> \
> 👀 Le milieu ivoirien de NEOM est pisté par Leeds, West Ham ou encore l’Atalanta Bergame.[https://t.co/cGFN2gx83L](https://t.co/cGFN2gx83L) [pic.twitter.com/pZmngMQD7d](https://t.co/pZmngMQD7d)
>
> — Santi Aouna (@Santi\_J\_FM) [July 30, 2026](https://x.com/Santi_J_FM/status/2082833881095352646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## West Ham interest in Amadou Koné emerges

[Foot Mercato reports](https://www.footmercato.net/a600941283284022182-deux-clubs-anglais-et-un-club-de-serie-a-sur-lex-remois-amadou-kone) that Koné remains on the radar of European clubs despite leaving Stade de Reims for Saudi Arabia last summer.

The defensive midfielder made 33 appearances during his debut season with NEOM, scoring twice and providing one assist.

Koné was born in Mali but represents Ivory Coast at youth international level. He previously made 39 senior appearances for Reims after arriving in France in 2023.

His age and defensive profile could make him an attractive long-term option for West Ham. The Hammers need midfield reinforcements following Mateus Fernandes’ £85million move to Tottenham and the expected departure of Edson Álvarez.

However, Foot Mercato only states that West Ham are following Koné’s situation. There is no indication that NEOM are prepared to sell or that the player wants to return to Europe.

Hull City have also been linked through a separate report from AfricaFoot, which claims the newly promoted Premier League club have begun discussions over a possible move. That approach has not been confirmed by NEOM.

West Ham are already progressing another midfield pursuit. The Hammers have [stepped up talks to sign Celtic midfielder Arne Engels](https://readwestham.com/2026/07/31/west-ham-step-up-talks-to-sign-25m-celtic-midfielder/), with the Belgian reportedly keen on moving to London Stadium.

The West Ham interest in Amadou Koné appears to remain at an early stage, but his emergence provides another option as the club works to rebuild Nuno’s midfield.