Future Man Utd star? Forgotten Barcelona wonderkid joins INEOS

Tom Weber

Updated: 22 Jul 2024 16:45 BST
2 min read

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Former Barcelona wonderkid Konrad de la Fuente is on the verge of completing a shock move to INEOS-owned Lausanne, according to French media.

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Once one of the most highly-rated prospects in the United States men's national team pool, de la Fuente's career has not quite gone to plan. Still only 23, the La Masia product has been on the move quite a bit in recent years.

After leaving Barcelona in 2021, the winger joined Marseille but failed to establish himself in Ligue 1, prompting the French giants to send him on a loan tour of European football.

After a sojourn to Olympiacos, de la Fuente returned to Spain, joining second-division Eibar on loan. However, the former wonderkid played fewer than 400 minutes of football in the Basque Country and, with a year left to run on his deal, he is now set to leave Marseille permanently.

Current ETV

K. de La Fuente

M (L)

Marseille

K. de La Fuente

M (L)

Marseille

ETV Range

€0.1M - €0.2M

De la Fuente to join INEOS

According to L'Equipe, De le Fuente is on the verge of making a surprising move to Switzerland, where he will reportedly link up with INEOS-backed Lausanne-Sport.

While on the one hand, this transfer continues the winger's fall from grace, it is also quite intriguing. Due to his former potential, doing well for Lausanne could put him on the radar for bigger clubs.

Given how he has fared in recent years, it is, of course, unlikely that the crown jewel of the INEOS network, Man Utd, will take an interest in De La Fuente, but it wouldn't be the first time that Lausanne have been used as a parking spot for talent.

The Swiss side also have Italian wonderkid Simone Pafundi on their books and it is thought that if he does well for Lausanne, he could become a credible option for Man Utd.