Ismaël Koné is heading to Italy on a $4 million loan to Serie A returnees Sassuolo. The loan from Marseille comes with a $16 million option to buy if Sassuolo, the Serie B champions, decide to retain Koné at the end of the season.

Valencia in Spain's La Liga and Roma, Fiorentina, and Bologna in Serie A were all apparently all in on Koné. But the 23-year-old choose Sassuolo because he is certain he will to play regularly.

After a public fallout with Marseille manager Roberto Di Zerbi and a January loan to Stade Rennais, Koné returned to France weeks ago for preseason training, but was training away from the first team, alongside five others, and TSN learned Koné was intent on a leaving Marseille either on a loan or full transfer. 

Marseille were keen to get a return on the $25 million CAD pricetag they paid Watford for Koné last summer. The option to buy Koné will kick in if Sassuolo remains in Serie A. 

The move comes at a critical point in Koné's European career less than a year from the 2026 World Cup. 

Following crucial contributions to Canada's semifinal during last summer's Copa America, Koné made only nine appearances for Marseille before his friction with Di Zerbi necessitated his January loan. Koné made 13 appearances and scored two goals with Stade Rennias.

But he failed to make an impact for Canada this summer during the Canadian Shield and Gold Cup. Consistent playing time in Italy will benefit Koné's chances to play in Canada's talented and deep central midfield.