The last of the “undesirables” still contracted to Sunderland, Lamine Koné most likely won’t be a Black Cat come the end of the season.
While both Papy Djilobodji and Didier Ndong rescinded their contracts at the Stadium of Light after failing to secure moves away in the summer, the Ivory Coast international managed to bag himself a loan deal with Strasbourg in Ligue 1, and it’s going rather well.
In and out of the squad early in his stint with the French club, the 29-year-old has, over the past month or so, secured himself a starting spot in Thierry Laurey’s plans, and they’’re reaping the benefits, having lost just one of their last four games.
Sportmania in Ivory Coast look at the centre-back’s situation, and claim at the bottom of the article that Koné is keen to continue his ‘beautiful story’ with the Ligue 1 side, suggesting he has no desire of returning to Sunderland.
Having included an option to buy in the deal, should the defender’s good form continue, Strasbourg could easily turn the loan into a permanent transfer, but a lot will likely depend on their financial situation come the end of the season.
Hardly blessed with cash, a good finish in Ligue 1 will be key for their ambitions going forward.
As things stand, they currently sit ninth, having won four and drawn six of their first 14 games.
Not a bad start at all.
