Man Utd raid Liverpool and Man City academies as Cassim confirmed and Konde set to follow
The club have signed 17-year-old England youth international Karim Cassim from City and are set to complete a deal for 16-year-old winger Isaac Konde from Liverpool. Both join David Eze, who also crossed from City earlier this month.
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Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Karim Cassim from Manchester City and are set to complete a deal for Isaac Konde from Liverpool as the club continues to raid rival academies.
Cassim, 17, was unveiled at Old Trafford on Thursday after leaving City, where he was part of the squad that won the FA Youth Cup last season. The England Under-17 international was spotted on the substitutes' bench during United's Under-18s win over Charlton in August, inadvertently revealing his arrival before it was officially announced.
United said in a statement: "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."
He is the second player to cross the Manchester divide this month, following midfielder David Eze, whose move from City has already been cleared by the Premier League.
What about Konde?
The Athletic reports that United have signed 16-year-old winger Isaac Konde from Liverpool on a one-year scholarship, which will convert into a five-year professional contract when he turns 17. Players cannot sign professional deals until that age.
Konde has been at Liverpool since joining as an Under-9 in 2018. The two clubs are in talks over a compensation fee, with Liverpool expecting a seven-figure sum. If they cannot agree, a Premier League tribunal will decide.
He will join Darren Fletcher's Under-18s squad and could be seen as a potential replacement for JJ Gabriel, who has reportedly requested to leave the club.
Why are United targeting rivals' academies?
Brexit regulations effectively restrict United's academy recruitment to the UK, which explains the focus on domestic rivals. The club have been actively pursuing the best young talent who can eventually step up to the first team, with Carrick's senior squad now finalised for the season.
That squad was left short at the back after no left-back was signed during the summer window, leaving Luke Shaw as the only senior option in the position.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who have Manchester United signed for their academy?
- United have reportedly signed 16-year-old winger Isaac Konde from Liverpool and confirmed the arrival of 17-year-old midfielder Karim Cassim from Manchester City.
- How much will Isaac Konde cost Manchester United?
- The clubs are currently negotiating a compensation fee, which Liverpool expects to be a seven-figure sum. If they cannot agree, a Premier League tribunal will decide the amount.
- What kind of contract has Isaac Konde signed?
- According to The Athletic, Konde has signed a one-year scholarship that will automatically become a five-year professional contract when he turns 17.