Manchester United have completed the signing of Manchester City academy midfielder Karim Cassim, with the 17-year-old making the short move across Manchester after leaving his former club.
Karim Cassim had been expected to leave City since the summer, with Manchester United working on a deal for the youngster as well as fellow City academy player David Eze. Both players are now set to continue their development at Carrington.
The midfielder made his Manchester City Under-18 debut last season and played a role in their FA Youth Cup campaign. He has also represented England at Under-17 level, starting all three of the side’s European Championship qualifying matches against the Faroe Islands, Israel and Estonia in March.
United had been waiting for Premier League approval before Cassim could officially feature, with that ratification now completed.
Cassim viewed as future first-team prospect
Cassim had already been spotted watching United’s Under-18s in August during a Premier League Cup match against Charlton Athletic. He is now expected to become part of Darren Fletcher’s side this season.
Laurie Whitwell from the Athletic reports that sources believe United see Cassim as a promising box-to-box midfielder with the potential to progress towards senior football. His arrival is also viewed as another example of the club’s increased focus on academy recruitment.
United are also closing in on deals for 16-year-old defensive midfielder David Eze, also from Manchester City, and Liverpool winger Isaac Konde, 16.
Meanwhile, the club are preparing a professional contract for 17-year-old winger Noah Ajayi after his breakthrough season with Fletcher’s team.
The latest academy additions have been planned independently of JJ Gabriel’s expected departure, with the club having worked on the deals for several months.
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