Man Utd to poach Liverpool wonderkid as controversial switch swoop ‘agreed’
Manchester United are said to have agreed a deal to sign one of Liverpool’s brightest young stars, who has completed the formal steps ahead of a controversial move to Old Trafford
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United are said to have swooped to raid Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool(Image: 2026 Catherine Ivill – AMA)
Manchester United have swooped to poach one of Liverpool’s brightest young stars in an audacious coup.
Michael Carrick’s side are reportedly on the verge of completing a shock deal to snap up teenage talent Isaac Konde. The 16-year-old is said have finalised the necessary paperwork ahead of a controversial switch to Old Trafford. The Red Devils are thought to have managed to secure Konde’s signature after he made six appearances for Liverpool this season in the Under-18s Premier League, registering one assist.
Poaching promising youngsters from Premier League rivals has become increasingly prevalent over the last few years, but transfers between United and Liverpool – the two most successful clubs in England – are extremely rare. The last senior player to move directly between the two clubs was Phil Chisnall, who left United for Liverpool for £25,000 in 1964.
Isaac Konde in action
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Konde typically plays down the left flank in attacking areas, though he’s just as capable operating on the right wing. He’s a graduate of Liverpool’s youth system, but will now make the switch to their greatest rivals.
Liverpool’s top academy graduate in the past decade was Trent Alexander-Arnold, though he departed last summer for Real Madrid. They now boast the likes of Rio Ngumoha and Conor Bradley among their promising prospects.
United boast a rich tradition of promoting youth players, yet as they strive to return to prominence, substantial funds have been invested in acquiring established first-team quality. Kobbie Mainoo has established himself as a regular, though even he must battle to guarantee consistent playing time, reports the Mirror.
Liverpudlian Shea Lacey is also one of United’s brightest young prospects(Image: CAISA RASMUSSEN/BILDBYRÅN/Shutterstock)
During pre-season, Michael Carrick afforded opportunities to numerous teenage prospects from the club’s academy, many of whom will be hoping to make strides this campaign. Shea Lacey and Jack Fletcher both featured and were utilised during the previous term.
United have witnessed several exits from their youth ranks in recent weeks, with champions Arsenal confirming the signings of Habeeb Ogunneye and James Scanlon on permanent deals over the summer.
Conversely, the Red Devils have managed to capitalise in the past, and Ayden Heaven, formerly of the Gunners, is now part of their first-team setup. The defender had already made his debut for Arsenal before he transferred to Old Trafford at 18, with United paying a compensation fee.
They also secured Chido Obi, then 16, after he declined an extension offer from Arsenal to relocate to Manchester. His development has since hit a snag and he was sent out on loan late in the summer transfer window.
