Manchester United have clinched the signing of Isaac Konde from rivals Liverpool.
The Red Devils are poised to formally announce the 16-year-old winger’s long-awaited move from Anfield to Old Trafford, with Liverpool due a compensation fee in return.
According to The Athletic, Konde will sign an initial one-year scholarship deal with Man Utd before putting pen to paper on a long-term professional contract when he turns 17 that is valid for a further five years.
It follows United confirming the arrival of 17-year-old Karim Cassim on Thursday after his departure from rivals Manchester City, with fellow midfielder David Eze following the same path from the Etihad Stadium.
It continues the growing trend seen over recent years of talented young players moving between the academies of England’s biggest clubs, with Liverpool having also lost the services of England Under-16s striker Vincent Joseph to Arsenal last week.
Arsenal also raided United for the signings of Gibraltar international midfielder James Scanlon and right-back Habeeb Ogunneye during the recent summer transfer window.
A highly-rated winger who can also operate centrally in attack, Konde has been at Liverpool since joining their U9s setup back in 2018.
He appeared six times for the club’s U18s last season under head coach Simon Wiles, registering one assist, with BBC Sport reporting among his strengths “blistering pace and excellent close control”.
Konde is expected to link up initially with Darren Fletcher’s U18s at United, who are currently battling to keep hold of 15-year-old sensation JJ Gabriel after he asked to leave the club amid interest from a host of clubs across Europe including Real Madrid.
Liverpool are due compensation for Konde under current transfer rules, which could reportedly eventually reach seven figures, with a tribunal only required if the two clubs are unable to reach an agreement.
