Canadian midfielder Ismaël Koné joined Watford at the start of the 2023 January transfer window, after agreeing a four-and-a-half-year deal in December 2022.
The highly-rated youngster featured for his national team during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, playing in each of Canada’s World Cup group matches against Belgium, Croatia and Morocco.
Born in Ivory Coast, Koné moved to Canada aged seven and signed a professional contract with hometown club CF Montréal in August 2021, making his debut in February 2022.
He went on to play 32 times for ‘The Impact’, attracting genuine interest from clubs across Europe before settling on a transfer to Vicarage Road.
Koné made his Golden Boys bow against Reading in the Emirates FA Cup, before featuring 16 times in the Sky Bet Championship in the latter half of the 2022/23 campaign.
The 2023/24 campaign was the Canadian's first full season in English football, with his flair, close control and skill leaving a lasting impact on Watford fans, as well as those further afield.
The season saw Koné grab his first goals for Watford as he ended the campaign on four. His curling strike at Plymouth Argyle and solo effort at Southampton were particularly impressive.
Well and truly embedding himself as a key member of the squad, the midfielder featured 46 times in all competitions in 2023/24, missing just four league games.
Koné also played an integral role for his nation as they booked a place at the 2024 Copa América. He played the full match as Canada earned a 2-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago in the qualifying play-off.
