Manchester United is focusing on its long-term plans while balancing first-team needs with the growth of young talent.
With the transfer window now closed, the club is dedicated to placing young players in challenging environments to prepare them for senior football.
INEOS has played a key role in this strategy, emphasizing active development over passive roles in the squad.
The academy has produced several promising players in recent seasons, but the challenge is to turn that potential into consistent performances at the senior level.
This strategy has led to another player moving away from the club.
Manchester United has announced that Sekou Kone will be joining FC Lausanne-Sport, as confirmed on the Swiss club’s website. The Malian defensive midfielder is heading to Switzerland following weeks of discussions.
The deal comes after an extensive evaluation period, during which Kone trained with Lausanne’s first team since early January.
His early integration was crucial, as the Swiss club noted his impressive performances in training, prompting them to finalize the agreement.
From Manchester United’s viewpoint, this move is a strategic decision rather than a reactive one.
Kone joined United with an impressive background after making a name for himself with Mali during a standout 2023.
He was a key player at the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, helping Mali achieve a fourth-place finish and further securing his reputation at the Under-17 World Cup, where they finished third after defeating Argentina 3-0.
Recognizing his defensive skills and calmness under pressure, United moved quickly to sign him.
Since arriving in England, Kone primarily played in United’s Under-21 team in Premier League 2, contributing two goals and one assist while adjusting to the intensity of English football.
His progress faced a setback when he suffered a fractured eye socket, which kept him out for the early part of the season.
After returning in November, Kone regained his form and became a regular starter by December, impressing coaches with his discipline and work rate.
This improvement caught the attention of Lausanne-Sport, who invited him to train with their senior squad for evaluation.
During this training period, Kone’s ability to win the ball, his stamina, and technical skills convinced the Swiss club that he could make an immediate impact.
United is comfortable with the arrangement, seeing Lausanne as a professional and competitive environment that can enhance his development.
This move allows Kone to experience senior football in a league known for its tactical discipline and physical demands.