Manchester United have officially announced the signing of Isaac Konde, a highly-rated 16-year-old winger who left rivals Liverpool over the summer.
Konde has penned initial scholarship terms with United, which are reported to become a five-year professional contract when he turns 17. Liverpool are due compensation for the player under current transfer rules, having been at Anfield since joining their Under-9s setup in 2018. He progressed through the ranks to their U18s team, playing regularly at that level towards the end of last season and registering one assist in six appearances. If a compensation agreement cannot be reached, the matter will be referred to an independent tribunal.
Club statement confirms arrival
“Manchester United have agreed the signing of winger Isaac Konde,” United confirmed in an official statement released via their website on Monday. “The talented youngster has joined after leaving Liverpool. The 16-year-old had his first taste of Under-18 football at Liverpool, featuring regularly towards the end of the 2025/26 campaign. Everyone at the club would like to welcome Isaac to United and wish him the very best of luck.”
Konde is the third talented youngster to arrive at Old Trafford in less than a week, with midfielders Karim Cassim and David Eze having both joined United following their respective departures from Manchester City. He is also the second young talent to leave Liverpool recently, with Arsenal having snapped up England U16s striker Vincent Joseph, who rejected new terms on Merseyside.
Youth recruitment drive continues
The versatile Konde, who can operate down the flanks or centrally in attack, is expected to link up with Darren Fletcher’s U18s team. BBC Sport reports his top assets as “blistering pace and excellent close control”.
United’s busy youth recruitment drive is unlikely to stop there, with The Sun reporting that they have identified Lens teenager Mezian Mesloub as a potential replacement for JJ Gabriel. The 15-year-old sensation Gabriel stunned the club earlier this month when he told them of his desire to leave with immediate effect, just days before he was likely to make his senior debut against Brighton in the Carabao Cup.
United are battling to keep hold of Gabriel, who has attracted interest from most of Europe’s top clubs including Real Madrid, though Barcelona sporting director Deco sprang a surprise last week by insisting that there was no desire to take the player to the Camp Nou.
