Manchester United have reportedly secured the signings of three young players from rivals Liverpool and Manchester City. The players, Isaac Konde from Liverpool, and David Eze and Karim Cassim from Manchester City, are all expected to join Manchester United.
Reports indicate that Manchester United have won the race for these three talents. Konde, Eze, and Cassim are all understood to be joining Darren Fletcher‘s Under-18s squad for the upcoming season. Konde and Cassim have previously played Under-18s football for their respective former clubs, while Eze is recognised as a promising talent in English football.
New additions for the Under-18s
Manchester United reportedly put significant effort into signing Eze, who is described as a technically gifted attacking midfielder. Despite interest from other clubs, United successfully secured his signature, along with those of Konde and Cassim.
Konde is a winger known for his pace and dribbling ability, capable of playing on either flank or as a forward. Eze primarily operates as an attacking midfielder, while Cassim plays in a slightly deeper role. Konde can also play as a striker or a left-winger.
These new additions are expected to bolster Manchester United’s Under-18s side. They could potentially fill a void if JJ Gabriel is promoted to the first team. Gabriel, who played as an attacking midfielder, centre-forward, and on the left flank last season, has been training with the senior squad.
Gabriel’s potential first-team involvement
Gabriel was recently seen training with the Manchester United first team ahead of their second pre-season match against Rosenborg. There have been previous reports suggesting he could be involved with the first team before the end of the 2026/27 season.
It is not yet confirmed if Gabriel will feature in the match against Rosenborg. However, he is reportedly under consideration to travel to Norway for the fixture, and a debut could be a possibility. Michael Carrick, the manager, made numerous changes during the previous match against Wrexham, and similar rotations are anticipated for the Rosenborg game.
With Jack Fletcher and Toby Collyer having played as attacking midfielders against Wrexham, and Collyer not being a natural attacker, there could be an opportunity for Gabriel in that position. He might also play on the left flank, though he would need to displace Ethan Williams, as Patrick Dorgu is considered unlikely to be dropped from the starting lineup.
The arrival of Konde, Eze, and Cassim is intended to help Manchester United maintain their competitive standing at the top of the Under-18 Premier League North, alongside the existing talents at Carrington.
This move aligns with a reported policy by INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who assumed operational control of United in February 2024, to sign and develop promising young players. Manchester United have previously secured deals for other young talents such as Sekou Kone, Patrick Dorgu, Ayden Heaven, Chido Obi, Leny Yoro, Harley Emsden-James, and Tynan Thompson.
The 16-year-old Konde is a regular with Liverpool’s Under-18s and is now poised to move to Old Trafford.
The three players are all set to become Manchester United players, with Konde joining from Liverpool and Eze and Cassim from Manchester City.
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Source: roundtable.io
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As News-GB's Sports Reporter, Megan Sinclair reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name interviewing rising British talent. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Edinburgh and completed an NCTJ diploma. Megan lives in Edinburgh, where she plays club tennis and follows track athletics. “Give the athletes room and the story tells itself.”