Sekou Kone officially joins Swiss team

Manchester United’s long-term planning continues to take shape as the club balances first-team demands with the development of its next generation.

With the transfer window now closed, attention at Old Trafford has shifted towards ensuring young players are placed in environments that genuinely test their readiness for senior football.

INEOS’ influence has been clear in this area, with fewer passive squad roles and more decisive development pathways being prioritised.

United’s academy has produced several standout performers in recent seasons, but the challenge remains converting promise into senior-level consistency.

That philosophy has now resulted in another move being finalised away from Manchester.

Manchester United have completed the move that sees Sekou Kone join FC Lausanne-Sport, as revealed on the Swiss outfits website, with the Malian defensive midfielder heading to Switzerland after weeks of groundwork behind the scenes.

The deal follows an extended assessment period, during which Sekou Kone had already been training with Lausanne’s first team at the Stade de la Tuiliere since early January.

That early integration proved decisive, with the Swiss club impressed enough by his performances in training to push ahead and formalise the agreement.

From United’s perspective, the move is viewed as a carefully chosen step rather than a reactive decision.

Kone arrived at Carrington with significant pedigree after making his name on the international stage with Mali during a standout 2023.

He emerged as one of the tournament’s most influential midfielders at the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, helping his country to a fourth-place finish before going even further at the Under-17 World Cup later that year.

Mali’s third-place finish, sealed with a commanding 3-0 victory over Argentina, further elevated Kone’s reputation and accelerated European interest in his future.

Manchester United moved quickly to secure his signature, recognising both his defensive instincts and his composure in high-pressure environments.

Since arriving in England, Kone has largely featured in United’s Under-21 setup in Premier League 2, where he contributed two goals and one assist while adapting to the pace and physicality of English football.

His progress was interrupted earlier this season after suffering a fractured eye socket, an injury that sidelined him for the opening months of the campaign.

However, upon returning to action in November, Sekou Kone steadily rebuilt momentum and became a regular starter by December, impressing coaches with his discipline and intensity.

That upward trajectory caught the attention of Lausanne-Sport, who invited him to train with their senior squad for several weeks to evaluate his suitability.

During that period, Kone’s ball-winning ability, stamina and technical security stood out, convincing the Swiss club that he could contribute immediately.

United were satisfied with the environment on offer, viewing Lausanne as a professional and competitive setting capable of accelerating his development.

The move allows him to experience senior football in a league that values tactical structure while still demanding physical resilience.