Manchester United have confirmed that Malian midfielder Sekou Kone has joined Swiss side Lausanne-Sport on loan until the end of the 2025-26 season, as the club continues to manage the development of one of Africa’s emerging talents.
The move was announced on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, and forms part of United’s wider strategy of providing young players with regular first-team football away from Old Trafford.
Kone will now gain senior experience in the Swiss Super League, with the added prospect of European competition.
Kone, 20, joined Manchester United from Guidars FC in August 2024 and has since impressed within the club’s youth setup at Carrington.
Highly regarded by the coaching staff, the midfielder has been viewed as a long-term project, with his progression carefully managed since his arrival from Mali.
United believe the loan spell will offer Kone the competitive exposure needed to accelerate his development.
Lausanne-Sport’s domestic campaign and potential involvement in continental football are expected to provide a testing environment for the young midfielder.
Confirming the move, the Premier League club said:
“Manchester United’s Sekou Kone has joined Lausanne-Sport on loan until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.”
The club added:
“The exciting young midfielder will get a taste of first-team football in the Swiss Super League.”
United also highlighted the possibility of European action for their loanee, stating:
“Kone will also benefit from potential involvement in the UEFA Conference League when his new side face SK Sigma Olomouc in the upcoming play-off round.”
For Kone, the loan represents an important step as he transitions from youth football to the senior game.
Regular minutes at first-team level will allow him to test himself physically and tactically, while adapting to the demands of professional football in a competitive league.
Manchester United have a long-standing reputation for integrating young players into senior football, either at the club or through strategic loan spells.
Kone’s move follows that pathway, offering him the opportunity to continue his development while remaining under contract at Old Trafford.
As Lausanne-Sport prepare for the remainder of the season, attention will be on how quickly Kone adapts to his new surroundings and whether he can make an impact at senior level, both domestically and potentially in Europe.
