Manchester United are plotting to overhaul the midfield this summer, but one talented player could force himself into the conversation.
With Casemiro announcing he will leave Manchester United, the midfield revolution is already underway.
Ineos are likely to sign more than one new top-level midfielder, but right now, Elliot Anderson is United’s clear top target, and his addition is the only one to replace Casemiro.
But United are also interested in Carlos Baleba, with the Cameroonian potentially a second signing. However, United already have a player who could stake his claim to take this role.
Sekou Kone training with Manchester United
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Sekou Kone can earn a first-team position at Manchester United
There are a handful of talented young midfielders already at the club, but arguably the current most polished is Sekou Kone, and he now faces a massive four months.
Kone has joined Lausanne on loan and looks likely to get plenty of football in Switzerland, and if he shines, the Malian youngster could find himself replacing Baleba.
Will Sekou Kone earn a Manchester United first-team chance while at Lausanne?
What would he have to do in order to guarantee his place next season?
Sekou Kone
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Kone earned his loan to Lausanne with an impressive spell at the club on almost a trial period, playing in friendlies and training with his new teammates for weeks.
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This should stand him in good stead to immediately step up for Lausanne and have an impact, and if the loan goes to plan, United might have found a new first-team midfielder for the summer onwards.
It would be one year after Ruben Amorim promised Kone more opportunities, which he failed to make good on, but with an extra year of development, he should be even more ready.
Arguably, this loan is happening five months later than it should have, but Kone will be raring to go and grab this opportunity with both hands.
Prove me wrong… Sekou Kone will end up being a brilliant signing for Manchester United
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Sekou Kone of Manchester United pictured during the National League Cup match between Tamworth and Manchester United U21
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Kone could be United’s own Carlos Baleba
When Amorim spoke about Kone after the post-season tour last summer, it looked certain he would be a fixture in the first team, but he wasn’t seen after that.
Amorim could have made Kone his own Baleba, give the pair both have similarities in intensity in and out of possession, drawing comparisons between the two.
Both are also good on the ball, with slick passing and ball carrying, two other key traits United will want in a midfielder.
United are likely to spend close to £100m on Anderson, while Baleba would command a similar fee, meaning if Kone can impress, he might save the club millions, allowing that to be spent elsewhere.
Kone has all the qualities; if he can string it all together at Lausanne, he might quickly be a very plausible first team player.
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