United poach Eze, Cassim and Konde from City and Liverpool as Amass earns first-team lifeline

Manchester United have moved to strengthen their academy by signing three highly-rated youngsters from Premier League rivals, with left-back Harry Amass also handed a reprieve after loan interest from Burnley was rebuffed.

The club have received Premier League ratification to complete the signing of David Eze from Manchester City, while the arrivals of Karim Cassim — also from City — and Isaac Konde from Liverpool are awaiting final approval. All three are considered among the most talented players in their respective age groups.

Because the moves involve young players transferring between academy systems, each deal must pass through the Premier League’s five-step ratification process. United first submit a signed registration form, after which an independent third party conducts exit interviews with both clubs, the player, and their guardians. Both clubs and the player’s guardians must then sign a declaration confirming no financial inducements were used. The independent party produces a report with a recommendation for the Premier League board, which ultimately approves or rejects the registration — and retains the power to take disciplinary action if rules have been breached. The process typically takes around 25 days from the point paperwork is filed.

Elsewhere, Amass trained with United’s first team at Carrington on Wednesday as the club prepared for their UEFA Champions League group-stage opener against Sabah. The teenage left-back attracted loan and permanent interest throughout the summer window, including a late bid from Burnley, and had been eager to leave in search of regular minutes after a stint in the Championship last season.

Instead, United have opted to keep Amass in and around the senior squad for at least the first half of the campaign. He has entered the final year of his contract, though the club hold a 12-month extension option, giving them some flexibility over his future.

United’s Under-19s also begin their UEFA Youth League campaign against Sabah, a competition that runs parallel to the senior Champions League draw.