United’s youth push intensifies as Cassim arrives and Konde is targeted
Mercado Manchester United confirmed on Thursday the signing of 17‑year‑old midfielder Karim Cassim from Manchester City and announced that the Red Devils are close to securing 16‑year‑old Isaac Konde from Liverpool, as part of a wider push to bolster their academy while fighting to retain prospect JJ Gabriel.
Cassim and Konde join United’s academy
United continues reinforcing its base with some of the most promising youngsters from England’s big clubs. After confirming Cassim’s arrival, the club also moved to bring Konde into the Red Devils’ youth set‑up, a dual move that forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen the foundation.
Cassim, a 17‑year‑old midfielder, left Manchester City having been part of the squad that won the FA Youth Cup. He has now been officially registered as a United academy player.
Konde featured in six matches for Liverpool’s under‑18 side last season and recorded an assist. Primarily deployed on the flanks but also capable of playing centrally, his transfer agreement was arranged in early September and he is expected to be the next signing following Cassim.
Manchester United pull off surprise swoop on Liverpool’s 16‑year‑old Isaac Konde
United battles to keep JJ Gabriel
Fifteen‑year‑old striker JJ Gabriel told United he wishes to terminate his contract; the club has refused the request and is trying to persuade him and his family that Old Trafford remains the best route for his development.
Gabriel will turn 16 on 6 October and, through a family link to Ireland, could obtain European documentation – a factor that may open the door to a move abroad. Clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint‑Germain are reported to be monitoring his situation.
He has amassed 29 goals and four assists in 32 under‑18 appearances, despite often playing against older opponents, and recently netted three times against Sabah’s under‑19 side in the Youth League.
Earlier this year Gabriel was hailed as a generational jewel, began training regularly with the professional squad and featured in pre‑season, even being considered for his first competitive call‑up by Michael Carrick before expressing his desire to leave. Konde’s arrival is not intended to replace Gabriel; the two operations are separate, underscoring United’s policy of targeting rival academy talent while striving to retain its own prospects.