Manchester Utd have quietly pulled off another academy coup, snatching a highly rated Liverpool midfielder just months after landing a Manchester City starlet.
Manchester United - Man Utd
Full name: Liverpool Football Club Nickname: The Reds Founded: 3 June 1892 Ground: Anfield Owner: Fenway Sports Group Chairman: Tom Werner Head coach: Andoni Iraola League: Premier League Season 2025-26: 5th rank Website: liverpoolfc.com Liverpool Football Club is in the… Read More about LIVERPOOL
Man United continue to reshape their future through smart academy business, and their latest move will not sit well with fans on Merseyside. The Red Devils have completed a deal for Liverpool‘s rising star Isaac Konde, as per latest transfer news. This likely deepens the rivalry between the two clubs even at youth level.
Man United complete Isaac Konde deal
Manchester United have finalised the move of Liverpool’s 16-year-old Isaac Konde, as reported by Fabrizio Romano. The teenager has featured as a winger, midfielder and as a forward as well for the Reds’ youth teams. He now becomes the latest academy gem to swap Anfield for Old Trafford.
Romano wrote on X: ‘Manchester United have completed deal to sign 16-year-old midfielder Isaac Konde from Liverpool, here we go!
‘All set for #MUFC move as formal steps have been completed in the last 24 hours .’
Konde made six appearances for Liverpool’s U18 side last season and provided one assist. His agents at Unique Sports Group have previously guided the careers of Anthony Gordon and Marc Guehi. This explains why several clubs were keeping tabs on him.
United moved after Konde turned down a scholarship offer from Liverpool. The teenager will now begin life under Darren Fletcher’s U-18 setup. It marks another huge blow for Liverpool, who have already lost young football prospects to their Premier League rivals in recent windows.
Louis Page interest continues amid mixed reports
Man Utd’s pursuit of young talent does not stop with Konde. The club spent deadline day chasing Leicester City midfielder Louis Page, with an offer reportedly worth more than £12m on the table. The youngster has already played for England at U-17, U-18 and U-20 level. In addition, he was also being tracked by Arsenal.
However, the proposed move collapsed after the two clubs could not agree terms. Even so, United are said to be confident of eventually completing a deal for the young midfielder. The player’s contract with Leicester runs until 2029.
Manchester United - Man Utd
Manchester United - Man Utd
United’s strategy and Liverpool’s academy setup
For United, these moves fit into a much bigger picture at Old Trafford. United have already added three permanent midfielders this summer in Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba. This shows that recruitment now mixes first-team arrivals with long-term academy planning.
Man Utd Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has previously stressed that academy standards had slipped. He insisted the club needed to consistently produce talent capable of contributing both on the field and in the club’s finances. Names like Chido Obi, Ayden Heaven and Sekou Kone show how seriously that message has been taken.
Now, Lewis Hall of Newcastle United is still viewed as a long-term left-back target. With that, Michael Carrick’s side appear determined to build a better squad. He wants a team that balances immediate results with growth for years to come.
For Liverpool, losing Konde will surely hurt, especially since their academy has built a name for producing sharp young talent in recent years. Andoni Iraola’s coaching staff will now have to reassess their pathway planning for the U-18 group heading into the new season. The Merseyside club have not commented publicly on the exit, but these moves often prompt clubs to review contract offers made to other promising teenagers still on their books.
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