How little-known Swiss club’s transfer for £14m wonderkid could help shape Man Utd’s future
ITALIAN wonderkid Simone Pafundi’s move to a little-known Swiss side could have a big impact on Manchester United’s future.
The 17-year-old Italian attacking midfielder is set to join Lausanne-Sport on loan from Udinese.
GettySimone Pafundi is set to join Ineos-owned Lausanne-Sport on loan with an option to buy[/caption]
Lausanne, who are owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos, will have a £14million option-to-buy as part of the transfer.
Ineos and Ratcliffe also own French side Nice and have agreed to buy a 25 per cent stake in United.
According to Blick, Ineos’ connection to both Lausanne and the Red Devils could see Pafundi move to Old Trafford in the future.
He is seen as a “mega talent” by the owners, who would look to bring him to England if he proves himself at Lausanne, the report adds.
United were previously linked with Pafundi in 2022 alongside Premier League rivals Liverpool.
The teenager is now set to join Lausanne midway through the Swiss Super League season.
Following promotion last season, the Blue and Whites are currently 10th out of 12 clubs in the top flight.
As for Pafundi, the midfielder offers versatility in attack, having also played as a second striker and on the wing.
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Who is Simone Pafundi?
Italian under-19 international Simone Pafundi is a 17-year-old attacking midfielder.
He became his country’s youngest post-war player in November 2022 aged 16 years and 242 days.
A product of Udinese’s academy, Pafundi has already made 10 Serie A appearances.
As well as starring in midfield, the teenager can also play on the wing or as a second striker.
An Italian under-19 international, he became his country’s youngest player since the Second World War in November 2022.
Roberto Mancini handed him his senior debut against Albania aged 16 years and 242 days.
At club level, Pafundi has made 11 first-team appearances for Udinese since coming through the club’s academy.
However, just two of those have come this season, where he has only played seven minutes in Serie A.
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