Manchester United’s hopes for Sekou Kone’s development have hit an unexpected roadblock. Despite the club’s January transfer window plan to provide the midfielder with European experience, Kone has been sensationally left out of FC Lausanne-Sport’s UEFA Conference League squad.
The 20-year-old Malian international joined the Ineos-owned Swiss side on loan last month with high expectations. At the time of the deal, United officials highlighted the “potential involvement in the UEFA Conference League” as a key factor for the move. However, Lausanne’s decision to exclude him from the registration list means Kone will be a mere spectator for the upcoming play-off ties against SK Sigma Olomouc.
The Registration Struggle
UEFA regulations allow clubs to register a maximum of three new players following the winter window. While Lausanne staff were reportedly “impressed” with Kone’s stamina and ball-winning ability during January training, they ultimately prioritised other areas of the squad.
In a contrasting twist, fellow United loanee Enzo Kana-Biyik who joined Lausanne on a season-long deal following his summer move from Le Havre has been included in the European list.
A Difficult Start in Switzerland
Since moving to the Stade de la Tuilière, Kone’s game time has been limited. His contribution so far consists of:
- Vs. FC St. Gallen: Unused substitute.
- Vs. FC Thun: A brief 10-minute cameo on his debut.
- Vs. Servette FC: Unused substitute in a dramatic 3-3 draw.
This lack of minutes is particularly frustrating given Kone’s trajectory last season, where Ruben Amorim named him in three Premier League matchday squads against Tottenham, Everton, and Nottingham Forest.
From Mali to Manchester: The Long Road Back
United invested approximately £1 million to sign Kone from Guidars FC in 2024, beating several European rivals to his signature. His progress was hampered by a fractured eye socket suffered in August, but his return to fitness in November suggested he was ready for a professional leap.
For the United hierarchy, the objective now is to ensure Kone earns consistent minutes in the Swiss Super League. With European football off the table, the focus shifts entirely to domestic competition to ensure the £1m investment doesn’t stall in the shadows of the Ineos-owned project.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
