Man Utd Sign Liverpool Winger Isaac Konde on Scholarship Deal

Manchester United have signed 16-year-old winger Isaac Konde from Liverpool on a one-year scholarship deal, with a five-year professional contract to follow. The transfer was completed on Wednesday, according to The Athletic's Andy Mitten, though Liverpool expect a seven-figure compensation fee and Premier League approval is still required.

Deal: Isaac Konde joins Manchester United from Liverpool on a one-year scholarship, then a five-year professional contract.
Date: Signed on Wednesday (reported September 25, 2026).
Fee: Liverpool expect a seven-figure sum; compensation not yet agreed.
Approval: Konde needs Premier League approval before training with United's academy.
Context: United recently lost 15-year-old winger JJ Gabriel, who wants to leave.

Deal details

Isaac Konde, 16, has agreed a one-year scholarship deal with Manchester United that will be followed by a five-year professional contract. The move from Liverpool was completed on Wednesday. United have not yet compensated Liverpool for the transfer, and it is claimed that Liverpool expect a seven-figure sum for the youngster. Konde still requires Premier League approval before he can train with the United academy.

The signing comes after United suffered a setback with 15-year-old winger JJ Gabriel, who has expressed a desire to leave the club. Gabriel, one of the best emerging wingers in the game, is prepared to move on instead of signing a scholarship contract. He has asked United to be deregistered from the academy squad. United have yet to grant his wish, but it appears a matter of time with the wonderkid keen to move abroad, given he has an Irish passport through his father. United were prepared to include the England youth international in the Carabao Cup third round against Brighton & Hove Albion, but it now appears the 15-year-old may have played his final game for the academy with a likely exit next month. Gabriel will be eligible to sign a scholarship contract when he turns 16 on October 6.

United have recruited a replacement in the form of Konde. He is a fast-paced winger, who can comfortably operate on either flank, based on his progress last term. Konde made only 6 appearances for the Liverpool Under 18s last season, registering 1 assist. A coach close to the player has described his playing style to be similar to Nani or Wilfried Zaha. The 16-year-old has not had any competitive action since May this year amid his reluctance to sign a scholarship deal with the Reds. Hence, he may need some time to get up to speed and perform for the United Under 18s in the ongoing campaign.

Why Man Utd moved for Konde

Isaac Konde arrives at Manchester United as a direct replacement for JJ Gabriel, whose impending exit left a gap in the academy's wide options. Konde's ability to play on either flank gives United Under 18s coach flexibility, and his pace fits the modern requirement for wingers to stretch defences. However, his lack of competitive action since May means he will need time to build match sharpness. The seven-figure compensation fee and Premier League approval add layers of complexity to a deal that is not yet fully ratified.

United's academy has been active in adding high-rated young talent, and Konde's signing signals a continued focus on stacking the attacking positions with potential. While the immediate impact may be limited due to his inactivity, the long-term projection — a five-year professional contract — shows United's belief in his development. The comparison to Nani and Wilfried Zaha by a coach close to the player raises expectations, but at 16, Konde's trajectory remains uncertain.

Talking points

Is a seven-figure compensation fee for a 16-year-old with only 6 Under 18 appearances and 1 assist justifiable for Manchester United?
Should United have done more to keep JJ Gabriel, who is rated higher than Konde and is set to leave for nothing?
Konde's lack of competitive action since May could hinder his integration — will United's academy staff rush him or manage his minutes carefully?
Liverpool losing a promising winger to their arch-rivals highlights the ongoing battle for youth talent — does this reflect a deeper issue in Liverpool's academy pathway?

What happens next

Manchester United await Premier League approval before Isaac Konde can train with the academy. The club must also agree a compensation fee with Liverpool, who expect a seven-figure sum. Meanwhile, JJ Gabriel's deregistration request is pending, and he is likely to exit next month after turning 16 on October 6. United's Under 18s continue their campaign, with Konde potentially available once approval is granted.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Isaac Konde?

Isaac Konde is a 16-year-old winger who has signed for Manchester United from Liverpool on a one-year scholarship deal, with a five-year professional contract to follow. He made 6 appearances for Liverpool Under 18s last season, registering 1 assist.

How much did Manchester United pay for Isaac Konde?

No fee has been paid yet. Liverpool expect a seven-figure compensation sum for the youngster, and United are yet to compensate their arch-rivals for the move.

Why did JJ Gabriel leave Manchester United?

JJ Gabriel, 15, expressed a desire to leave Manchester United and has asked to be deregistered from the academy squad. He is keen to move abroad, given he has an Irish passport through his father, and is prepared to move on instead of signing a scholarship contract. He turns 16 on October 6.