It’s been a slow month at Old Trafford in terms of transfer business, as Michael Carrick gives his undivided attention to securing the best-possible finish for Manchester United in the second-half of the season, but one youngster is set to leave the club
Sekou Kone is reportedly set to join Lausanne on loan for the remainder of the season, as a sole exception to an otherwise slow January window for Manchester United. Transfer business has been slow at Old Trafford this month, as Michael Carrick sets his sights on success in the Premier League with his current crop of talent.
United are ye to sanction any arrivals or departures in January, but that could quick change if recent reports regarding Kone are anything to go off. The 19-year-old academy graduate is said to be nearing a loan move to Lausanne for the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, Mercato claim that the defensive-midfielder has been training with the Swiss Super League challengers for a number of days while awaiting the completion of administrative formalities. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos acquired the club in November 2017 and has since integrated it into a broader portfolio of European clubs, including OGC Nice and a stake in United.
Given United have an abundance of faith in their academy products, it is thought that Kone will join Lausanne for the next stage of his development. It is expected that the Mali youth international should see plenty of game time with Lausanne, given on of their first-choice midfielders, Souleymane Ndiaye, has been ruled out of action for up to three months.
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The club wrote 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.”
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United should be watching the development of Kone closely, considering they will be in need of a fresh face in their engine room this summer. Casemiro announced earlier this month that he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, calling time on a remarkable four-year stint with the Reds.
Taking to Instagram to announce his exit, the Brazilian said: “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.”
While United have been linked with a wealth of midfielders in recent months, including Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson to name a few, it appears as though the club will make their approach in the summer transfer window instead of rushing into a deal over the next few days.
However, with an abundance of talent coming up through the youth ranks – including Kone, Kobbie Mainoo and Toby Collyer – it could be a matter of time until academy products have a chance to showcase their skills on the big stage.