Manchester United Signs Liverpool's Teenage Star Isaac Konde
Manchester United are set to prise one of Liverpool’s brightest academy prospects away from Anfield, with 16-year-old midfielder Isaac Konde heading for Old Trafford after an agreement between the clubs.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reports that United have completed the formalities within the last 24 hours, striking a deal with Liverpool for the youngster’s move. Konde has featured six times in the Under-18s Premier League this season, registering one assist and catching the eye with his performances in the Reds’ youth ranks.
A switch between the two rival clubs at any level always raises eyebrows. This one underlines something else as well: United’s determination to aggressively reshape their academy.
United rip up and rebuild their youth ranks
The move for Konde comes on the back of a flurry of exits from Carrington in recent weeks, as United have allowed a series of young players to depart while targeting fresh talent to restock the system.
Premier League champions Arsenal moved in to take advantage, snapping up Habeeb Ogunneye and James Scanlon on permanent deals during the summer window. Both had been regarded as promising prospects at United, and their departure highlighted a changing of the guard in the youth setup.
United also sanctioned the exit of 17-year-old striker Louie Bradbury, who joined Stoke City on a permanent basis. The Championship club handed him a two-year contract, with an option to extend into the 2028/29 campaign.
The parting was handled with the familiar formality of an academy farewell, but it carried a clear message about the club’s direction.
“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.”
One promising forward out, a creative midfielder in. The churn is deliberate.
Konde in, Page blocked
United’s recruitment drive has not been limited to Liverpool’s ranks. The club also pushed to land Leicester City teenager Louis Page, only to be thwarted as the League One side held firm.
Talks progressed but the clock beat both clubs, with no agreement reached before the deadline. Page stays at Leicester, for now, and United move on.
That failed pursuit throws the Konde deal into sharper focus. At 16, he is still years away from the first team, but the willingness to go into a rival’s academy and emerge with a prized asset speaks volumes about United’s current strategy.
This is not a quiet refresh. It is a reset built on bold moves, tough exits and the conviction that the next wave of talent must be handpicked, not inherited.
