Manchester United Signs Liverpool's 16-Year-Old Midfielder Isaac Konde
Manchester United have struck a deal to sign highly rated 16-year-old Liverpool midfielder Isaac Konde, stepping directly into rival territory as they continue to reshape their academy ranks.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United have reached an agreement with Liverpool for the teenager, with the formalities wrapped up in the last 24 hours. Konde is now set to make the move to Old Trafford, a bold switch across one of English football’s fiercest divides.
Konde has featured six times for Liverpool in the Under-18 Premier League this season, registering one assist. Still very early in his development, he arrives as a project player, but one United clearly believe is worth the disruption such a transfer inevitably causes between two historic rivals.
This is not a one-off move. It drops into a wider pattern.
United’s academy has been in flux in recent weeks, with several departures clearing space and budget for fresh faces. Premier League champions Arsenal took advantage first, snapping up Habeeb Ogunneye and James Scanlon on permanent deals during the summer window, a notable double swoop on United’s youth set-up.
Another prospect, striker Louie Bradbury, has also left permanently, joining Stoke City as he looks to carve out a senior pathway in the Championship. The 17-year-old has signed a two-year contract, with Stoke holding an option for a further year through the 2028/29 campaign.
Louie Bradbury's Departure
United marked his exit with a detailed statement, underlining the regard in which he was held.
“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 warm, but the direction of travel is clear: space is being created, and United are intent on refilling it with carefully targeted youth signings.
Not every pursuit has come off. United pushed to bring in Leicester City youngster Louis Page, only to run into a wall of deadlines and negotiation. Talks failed to produce an agreement before the window closed, leaving the talented teenager at League One Leicester for now.
So United turn instead to what they have secured. Konde’s arrival from Liverpool is a statement in itself – not about instant first-team impact, but about intent at academy level.
In a market where elite clubs are fighting harder than ever for the best 16-year-olds, how often will we see United and Liverpool crossing this line again?
