Barcelona starlet praises ‘so talented’ Man Utd prospect Sekou Kone after display

Sekou Kone’s loan spell at Lausanne continues to gather momentum after the Manchester United teenager delivered another energetic cameo in the Swiss club’s 3-2 victory away to Grasshopper.

The 19-year-old Mali international, introduced in the 61st minute, needed only 29 minutes to register his first shot on target for Lausanne, a fierce long-range effort that forced the goalkeeper into action. Kone finished the contest with 17 touches, two tackles and four ball recoveries, underlining the defensive diligence that has become a hallmark of his early senior outings.

Kone has now featured in five matches for the Swiss side, amassing 184 minutes of playing time since his temporary switch from Old Trafford. His latest appearance followed a brief return to the bench after being handed a surprise start the previous week, yet the midfielder’s impact off the sidelines has kept him firmly in the conversation for increased responsibilities.

Social-media appreciation was swift. Kone posted an image of himself in Lausanne colours on Instagram, prompting a flurry of supportive replies from familiar faces. Mali youth-team colleague Ibrahim Diarra, who joined Barcelona’s academy in 2025, commented “Tienes mucho talento” – Spanish for “You are too talented” – a public nod to Kone’s growing reputation among his peers.

Manchester United academy graduates Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fredricson, Samuel Lusale, Ethan Wheatley and Bassirou Nkoto also chimed in with messages of encouragement, illustrating the tight-knit network surrounding the young Red as he navigates his first experience away from Carrington.

Kone’s loan began on a frustrating note when he was omitted from Lausanne’s Europa Conference League squad, and the club’s subsequent elimination at the hands of Sigma Olomouc removed continental fixtures from the calendar. Fewer mid-week matches could limit rotation opportunities, yet Kone’s recent cameos suggest another start may be imminent as Lausanne chase a third straight win.

For now, the midfielder will continue to embrace each minute, buoyed by praise from Barcelona’s Diarra and a chorus of United team-mates eager to see him flourish on the continent.