[7] This followed a protracted transfer saga that had previously broken down twice,[8] and had seen Lorient threaten Sunderland with legal action for initially pulling out of a deal.

[9] On 13 February, Koné played a big part in securing a vital win for the Black Cats against Manchester United.

[11] After telling new manager David Moyes that he wanted to leave the club in August,[12] Koné had a change of heart and eventually signed a new five-year contract on 14 September 2016.

[14] On 1 June 2019, following a successful loan stint, Koné joined Strasbourg permanently from Sunderland for an undisclosed fee.

He switched to the Ivory Coast national team and made his debut in a 4–1 loss to Cameroon in 2014.