Manchester United have officially confirmed the signing of midfielder Karim Cassim from local rivals Manchester City. The transfer was finalised after United anticipated a smooth Premier League approval process for Cassim's registration.
Deal unveiled at Old Trafford
The club publicly unveiled the move on Thursday, with photographs showing the 16-year-old at Old Trafford alongside Stephen Torpey, head of the academy, as he signed his contract.
The club's statement read: "Manchester United have agreed the signing of exciting youngster Karim Cassim. The England youth international has joined after leaving Manchester City. The 17-year-old was part of the City side that won the FA Youth Cup last season."
International pedigree and early glimpse
"On the international front, the central midfielder has been capped up to England's Under-17s. Everyone at the club would like to welcome Karim to United and we wish him the very best of luck."
During United's U18s victory over Charlton in August, Cassim was glimpsed on the substitutes' bench in MUTV's broadcast of the match, inadvertently revealing his impending arrival.
Further academy additions
United are also set to confirm the capture of Isaac Konde from Liverpool once Premier League authorisation has been secured. They have already obtained clearance for David Eze's arrival from City.
United's academy is effectively restricted to recruiting within the United Kingdom due to Brexit regulations, which explains why the club has been actively pursuing players from nearby clubs in recent years.
