JJ Gabriel replacement found with Man United close to poaching Liverpool wonderkid in shock swoop

Manchester United have announced the signing of a highly-rated youngster while nearing moves for two more – including a Liverpool starlet, who could replace JJ Gabriel.

United have announced that 17-year-old midfielder Karim Cassim has completed a move from Manchester City after being granted Premier League approval.

The box-to-box midfielder is now allowed to represent the club in academy games, having previously helped City win the FA Youth Cup last season.

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United set to poach Liverpool and Man City prodigies

Cassim, who has represented England at youth level, is tipped to become a future first-team player, with sources telling The Athletic that United are putting huge emphasis on recruiting young players with the idea of developing them into first-team stars in the years to come.

The outlet also reports that United are closing in on the signing of 16-year-old Man City defensive midfielder David Eze, as well as Isaac Konde, also 16, from arch-rivals Liverpool, with the latter a potential replacement for wantaway 15-year-old Gabriel.

Gabriel informed United that he wanted his registration terminated last week and has been engaged in talks with Barcelona and Real Madrid.

He cannot currently sign a scholarship at United until he turns 16 on October 6, although this appears unlikely at this stage.

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According to Premier League rules, English players cannot pen professional deals until they are 17, but Gabriel may be able to sign a professional deal at an EU-based club through his Irish passport when he turns 16.

United have reportedly already refused to terminate the player’s registration. All three parties – the club, the player and the parent/carer – must agree before a child’s registration can be ripped up.

Premier League rules state: “If the parties don’t agree, then any person involved can also ask the Premier League to provide a binding decision on a termination request.”

If United block a potential move, Gabriel may launch an appeal to the Premier League or FIFA.

What would Isaac Konde bring to Man Utd?

Liverpool academy reporter Lewis Bower previously reported that Konde was offered a scholarship at the Merseyside club after being integrated into the under-18 squad when he was an under-16 player.

In an X post back in June, Bower wrote: “Watched him play both from the left-hand-side and as a striker in a two. Both of those different positions helped highlight a little variation in Konde’s willingness to drop and create separation from his defender or play from the shoulder.

“Very evident that Konde is blessed with wicked pace across long distances and also from a slower start in burst. Got a really quick burst that I saw him use consistently outside on the left to good effect. Following these moments you might have liked him to lift his head a little more in some instances, leading to some inconsistent decision making. But, such was his attitude that when actions didn’t come off, Konde wasn’t deterred and remained positive and persistent.

“Good control for the most part with some erratic moments. Always a threat due to his pace and attitude in which he uses it. This creates space for his team-mates as a result. Naturally still raw, could become a good player. Liverpool set to lose a good prospect at U18 level they would rather have kept but will move forward well enough.”