Colchester United are set to sign Blackpool striker Kylian Kouassi according to a report from Football Insider. The 23-year-old forward is reportedly joining the League Two side after they beat competition from divisional rivals Rotherham United.
Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider broke the news on August 28, stating, "Understand Colchester are set to win the race to sign Blackpool striker Kylian Kouassi." This potential signing arrives as Colchester sit 5th in the League Two table, having taken four points from their opening two matches with a win and a draw. They are just two points behind early leaders Barnet, having scored four goals and conceded three so far this season.
Who is Kylian Kouassi?
Kylian Kouassi is a forward who came through the academy at Sutton United. He broke into their first team during the 2022/23 campaign, making 42 appearances across league and cup competitions. His early career included loan spells at non-league clubs Bedfont Sports, Hampton & Richmond Borough, and Chesham United. He left Sutton in the summer of 2023 to join Blackpool.
His time at Bloomfield Road has included loan moves. He spent the 2024/25 season with Salford City, where he made 31 appearances. Notably, he scored the winner in a 2-1 victory at Colchester United in October 2024. Last season, the 2025/26 campaign, he was on loan at Cambridge United, who secured promotion from League Two.
What has he done this season?
In the current 2026/27 season, Kouassi has made four appearances for Blackpool. He came off the bench to score in a 3-1 Carabao Cup victory at Grimsby Town on August 8, a moment highlighted by the club's social media. He also featured in a Carabao Cup defeat to Championship side Lincoln City. He has made two substitute appearances in League One for the Tangerines. This limited involvement suggests he is available for a move as the transfer window approaches its close.
Where would he fit at Colchester?
The addition of Kouassi would provide a new option for Colchester's attack. Manager Danny Cowley will be looking to bolster a squad that has started the season solidly. The team's current form shows a win and a draw, and adding a player with recent experience in League One and a productive loan spell at a promotion rival could be significant. Fans can view the full squad to see how he might integrate.
Kouassi's direct style and physical presence could offer something different. His goal against Grimsby this season and his past success against Colchester itself demonstrate he can be a threat. His career path shows a player who has worked his way up and is now seeking regular football at a competitive level.
What does this mean for the promotion push?
Colchester's strong start has placed them in the early playoff conversation. Bringing in a player like Kouassi signals intent to maintain that challenge. The club's current standings position is promising, and strengthening the squad is a logical step. With four goals scored in two games, the attack is functioning, but adding depth is always valuable for the long season ahead.
This reported move, covered by the Colchester Gazette, addresses a key area. If completed, Kouassi will join a group aiming to close the two-point gap to Barnet. The next fixtures will be crucial, and supporters can track the upcoming schedule on our fixtures page. This potential signing represents a calculated effort to build on a positive opening and push for a successful campaign.
