Abdou Salam Konaté pushes for Parma first-team role

Abdou Salam Konaté is moving into Parma’s first-team plans after earning consecutive starts at the beginning of the competitive season. The 19-year-old Senegalese midfielder has gained Carlos Cuesta’s confidence during preparation and is now being given a serious opportunity to establish himself with the senior squad.

Konaté made his first official start against Catania in the Italian Cup, helping Parma to a 2-0 victory. He retained his place for the opening Serie A match against Cagliari and played 84 minutes before being replaced. Those appearances mark a rapid rise for a player who joined Parma’s academy less than three years ago.

He arrived in Italy in December 2022 from French club Espérance Aulnaysienne and initially entered Parma’s Under-17 side. In 2023, he represented Senegal at the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria as the only expatriate in the squad, helping the team win the continental title. He later moved through Parma’s Under-19 team before signing his first professional contract in September 2023.

Konaté is contracted to Parma until 2029. His early involvement with the senior team gives the former African youth champion a clear route to competing for a regular place, with Cuesta already trusting him in both cup and league football.