While FC Lausanne-Sport signing Simone Pafundi from Udinese on loan might mean little to Manchester United fans, it could be relevent in the future.
That’s because the Swiss side are a part of the INEOS network of clubs, which the Red Devils recently joined when the Glazers sold 25% of their shares to Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Blick have a big story on the signing of Pafundi, and go into detail as to how the 17-year-old could end up at Manchester United if his development goes to plan.
Described as a ‘mega talent’, the young Italian is an exciting signing for Lausanne, who are reported to have an option to buy him for just under €16m.
They explain that if he ‘quickly finds his way’ around the Swiss league, it could get him a ‘long-term contract’ at Manchester United.
Should Lausanne trigger the option to buy, it would be one that ‘outshines everything’ that has previously happened in the league, and INEOS would only pay the money if the youngster ends up delivering.
He will get playing time in Switzerland, because if he doesn’t play at least 50% of the games in the summer, Udinese can bring him back.
INEOS are the main reason Pafundi has made his way to the Swiss club, as without their links to OGC Nice and Manchester United, and the financial strength the group can bring, the player ‘would never’ have made the move.
All of this makes the move ‘more attractive’ for a young player, and likely gives him extra motivation to succeed if he knows he could end up at Old Trafford.
Therefore, there will be a need to track his performances, and it will all start with whether INEOS pay the money at the end of his loan, paving the way for a potential future move to Manchester United.
