Ineos are about to miss out on signing ‘extraordinary’ £12.4m wonderkid for Lausanne – Man Utd path closed

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One benefit of the Ineos part ownership at Manchester United is the multi-club model which is in place.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s crown jewel may be Old Trafford, however, he also owns Swiss side Lausanne and Ligue 1 outfit Nice.

In the summer, Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo was a player wanted at Carrington, however, UEFA blocked the move due to both being in the Europa League.

Manchester United could however benefit from this arrangement in the future, and fans were quietly hopeful that one talented youngster who was on loan in Switzerland at Lausanne would eventually make his way to Ruben Amorim’s side.

But Ineos have missed their chance, surely much to the disappointment of Jason Wilcox.

• READ MORE: Who are INEOS? Exploring Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s billion-pound business

Simone Pafundi’s loan at Ineos-owned Lausanne set to expire

For the past year, Lausanne has been the home of Udinese’s wonderkid Simone Pafundi – where he made 20 appearances over the course of the year.

Pafundi scored once and assisted twice, as he adapted to new surroundings and senior football. Lausanne had the option to buy the Italian for around £12.4m, an option which has not been taken up by Ratcliffe.

Upon his move to the Swiss Super League side, the press in Switzerland expected United to be heavily involved in Pafundi’s future.

This ship now looks set to sail, with the option expiring at the turn of the year as he will return to Udinese in hopes of making an impact at first-team Serie A level.

However, this could end up being one that got away for Ineos.

• READ MORE: Who is Sir Jim Ratcliffe? Net Worth, Businesses, Man Utd deal

Manchester United could have used Simone Pafundi’s ‘extraordinary’ talent

Pafundi is exceptionally talented and his profile is something that United could really have utilised within Amorim’s system as a No.10.

Udinese chief scout Andrea Carnevale’s praise of Pafundi shows how special he is.

“He’s a kid who already plays in the Primavera, he has Diego Maradona’s little foot,” he said. “He is an extraordinary talent, especially in the head. When the ball arrives he already knows what to do.”

So missing out on a player of this ability is something United will definitely be gutted about – however, perhaps his future still lies at Old Trafford, with a less direct route being taken.