Manchester United poach 16-year-old Isaac Konde from Liverpool's academy

Manchester United have reached an agreement to sign Liverpool teenager Isaac Konde, with the 16-year-old completing the formal steps ahead of his move to Old Trafford, according to reports.

Konde has made six appearances for Liverpool’s Under-18s side in the Premier League this season, contributing one assist. He operates primarily off the left flank in the final third but is considered equally effective on the right wing. A product of Liverpool’s academy, he will now join one of their fiercest rivals.

Poaching young talent from a direct competitor has become an increasingly familiar occurrence in English football. United have previous in this area — they signed Chido Obi from Arsenal at 16 after he turned down a contract extension at the Emirates, and Ayden Heaven, who had already made his Arsenal debut, moved to Old Trafford as an 18-year-old for a compensation fee. Obi’s development has since stalled and he was sent out on loan late in the summer window.

United have also lost youth talent in the other direction in recent weeks, with Arsenal confirming the permanent signings of Habeeb Ogunneye and James Scanlon during the summer.

For Liverpool, the departure continues a difficult period for their academy pipeline. Trent Alexander-Arnold, the standout graduate of the last decade, left for Real Madrid last summer. The club still count Rio Ngumoha and Conor Bradley among their most promising young players.

At United, first-team manager Ruben Amorim has a growing pool of teenage talent to consider. Kobbie Mainoo has established himself as a senior regular, while Shea Lacey and Jack Fletcher both received minutes during pre-season under caretaker Michael Carrick. Where Konde fits into United’s long-term development plans has not been detailed in the reports.