Manchester United have officially signed 16-year-old winger Isaac Konde from Liverpool, marking a rare direct transfer between the two rival clubs. Konde, who joined Liverpool's academy at the Under-9 level in 2018, progressed through their youth system and made six appearances for the Under-18 side during the 2025/26 season, recording one assist. (liverpool.com)
The young winger is known for his versatility, capable of playing on either flank or through the middle, and is praised for his pace and technical ability. Upon joining Manchester United, Konde signed a one-year scholarship agreement, which will transition into a five-year professional contract when he turns 17. (softfootball.com)
As per Premier League regulations, Liverpool is entitled to compensation for the development of the player. Discussions between the two clubs are ongoing, with reports suggesting that Liverpool anticipates a seven-figure compensation package. (liverpool.com)
Konde is expected to initially join Manchester United's Under-18 squad under the guidance of Darren Fletcher, with a view to progressing through the ranks in the coming years. This acquisition aligns with United's strategy of investing in promising young talents to bolster their future squad depth. (softfootball.com)
The transfer is particularly noteworthy given the historic rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool. Direct transfers between the two clubs are exceedingly rare, with the last first-team player moving directly between them being Phil Chisnall in 1964. (en.wikipedia.org)
This move underscores Manchester United's commitment to strengthening their youth setup by acquiring top talents from rival academies, aiming to build a robust foundation for future success.