Manchester United have added a few talented young players to their academy from rival clubs this summer.
Isaac Konde in action for Liverpool.(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
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Manchester United are set to complete the signing of Isaac Konde from Liverpool, the latest high-profile academy addition following the arrivals of David Eze and Karim Cassim from Manchester City.
Konde, 16, has decided to swap Melwood for Carrington for the next chapter of his development. The forward is expected to join up with Darren Fletcher's Under-18 team when his move is rubber-stamped.
United had also waited on Premier League ratification for the signings of Eze and Cassim from City.
Eze, 16, is a defensive midfielder and will bolster United's academy ranks. The talented prospect has a European passport because he was born in Dublin, but he has represented England at the Under-16 and Under-17 levels.
Cassim, 16, is another youth midfield signing for the Reds. When United's U18s beat Charlton last month, Cassim was spotted on the bench during MUTV's coverage of the game, inadvertently confirming his transfer.
At the time, United sources insisted there was still some red tape before Cassim's transfer was considered official, but no problems were expected to receive Premier League ratification for the deal.
The Premier League have ratified Eze's move, and the paperwork for Cassim's transfer was filed at around the same time, so it should be rubber-stamped imminently.
United's academy is essentially limited to a United Kingdom-based recruitment search due to Brexit rules, which is why the club have been proactive in adding players from neighbouring sides over the last few years.
City and Liverpool's first teams have enjoyed more success than United's over the last decade, but United's academy can still attract the best talent, largely down to the pathway the club can demonstrate.