Manchester United Signs 16-Year-Old Midfielder Isaac Konde from Liverpool
Manchester United have struck a deal to sign 16-year-old Liverpool midfielder Isaac Konde, stepping directly into their rival’s academy to reinforce their own youth ranks.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reports that United have reached an agreement with Liverpool, with the formalities wrapped up in the last 24 hours as the teenager prepares to switch to Old Trafford.
Konde has featured six times for Liverpool in the Under-18 Premier League this season, registering one assist. It is a small sample, but enough to put him on United’s radar as they continue to reshape their academy structure.
This is not a one-off move. It is part of a broader reset.
United rebuild one age group while another moves on
While Konde arrives from Anfield, United have watched a number of their own prospects walk out the door in recent weeks.
Premier League champions Arsenal snapped up Habeeb Ogunneye and James Scanlon on permanent deals during the summer window, two highly regarded youngsters who will now continue their development in north London.
Louie Bradbury has gone too. The 17-year-old striker has joined Stoke City on a permanent deal, signing a two-year contract with an option that could keep him at the Championship club through the 2028/29 season.
United marked his departure with a detailed statement, underlining how highly they rated his progress.
“Academy forward Louie Bradbury has agreed a move to Championship side Stoke City, subject to registration.
“The Shrewsbury-born striker signed for United at Under-14s level and earned his scholarship with the club in 2025.
“He made five appearances for the Under-18s during the 2024/25 season, debuting for Adam Lawrence’s side as a late substitute in the FA Youth Cup fourth-round.
“Last season he scored eight Under-18 Premier League goals and also registered at Premier League 2 level.
“Everyone at Manchester United wishes Louie all the best with his next stage of his career.”
The message was clear: players will be allowed to move on if a pathway looks clearer elsewhere, while United aggressively target fresh talent to replenish the ranks.
Missed target, landed target
Not every pursuit has paid off. United pushed to sign Leicester City youngster Louis Page but ran out of time, with the League One club keeping hold of the teenager after the two sides failed to reach an agreement before the deadline.
Konde, though, is a deal they have managed to close.
Poaching a 16-year-old midfielder from Liverpool is not just another academy signing. It is a statement about where United intend to fish for talent, and how fiercely the battle for the next generation is now being fought.
