Man Utd ‘on verge of completing deal’ with highly-rated star set to move | Football | Sport
Sekou Kone is poised to join Lausanne on loan for the remainder of the campaign, marking the sole exception to what has been an otherwise quiet January transfer window for Manchester United. Transfer activity has been non-existent at Old Trafford this month, as Michael Carrick focuses on achieving success in the Premier League with his existing squad. United are yet to approve any incoming or outgoing transfers in January, though Kone could now be headed for the exit door. The 19-year-old academy product is understood to be close to securing a temporary switch to Lausanne until the season’s end.
The defensive midfielder is said to have been training with the Swiss Super League contenders for several days whilst awaiting the finalisation of paperwork. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS purchased Lausanne in November 2017 and has subsequently incorporated the club into a wider network of European teams, including OGC Nice and their shareholding in United. Now, Kone will move to Lausanne for the next phase of his progression.
The Mali youth international is anticipated to receive substantial playing time with Lausanne, particularly as one of their regular midfielders, Souleymane Ndiaye, has been sidelined for up to three months.
The club stated on their official website: “Souleymane Ndiaye had a very encouraging start to the season, enjoying the confidence of the coaching staff and notably making his first start in Skopje against Vardar during the UEFA Conference League qualifiers.
“After being sidelined by several injuries for several weeks, he made his return to competition at the beginning of 2026. He came on as a substitute against Servette FC, then against BSC Young Boys, a match in which he provided an assist, contributing to Lausanne’s first victory at the Wankdorf Stadium in over 13 years.
“Having suffered from pain in both shoulders for several months, the player and the club have mutually agreed to opt for surgery in order to resolve these problems in the long term. FC Lausanne-Sport wishes Souleymane Ndiaye a speedy and full recovery.”
United ought to be monitoring Kone’s progress closely, given they’ll need a new midfielder this summer. Casemiro revealed earlier this month that he’ll depart the club when his contract runs out at the season’s end, bringing the curtain down on an impressive four-year spell with the Red Devils.
Announcing his departure on Instagram, the Brazilian wrote: “Knowing when stages come to an end. Knowing when to say goodbye when you feel that you will be remembered and respected forever.
“Four months to give my all for this badge and for our goal. Eternal respect and affection for Manchester United and its wonderful fans. Forever Red Devil.”
Whilst United have been connected with numerous midfielders in recent months, including Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson amongst others, it seems the club will bide their time until the summer transfer window rather than rushing into any deals in the coming days.
Nevertheless, with a wealth of talent emerging through the youth system – including Kone, Kobbie Mainoo and Toby Collyer – it may only be a matter of time before academy graduates get their opportunity to shine on the biggest stage.
