The Joseph deal was confirmed by journalist Pete O'Rourke, who reported that the England under-16 international had chosen Manchester United over serious interest from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
Both German clubs sent scouts on multiple occasions to watch the forward, and Joseph's dual eligibility — born in Germany, qualified for England at youth level — gave the Bundesliga move genuine credibility on paper. United's recruitment team moved decisively, inviting him to Carrington and Old Trafford as part of a sustained charm offensive that proved decisive.
Joseph is widely regarded as one of the most productive young strikers in English academy football at his age group. His record at Liverpool was exceptional: 19 goals at under-16 level, including back-to-back hat-tricks against Everton and Stockport County in 2024-25. For England under-16s, he scored six goals in four appearances, among them a hat-trick against the Netherlands in December 2025 that accelerated interest from clubs across Europe.
He also made two appearances for Liverpool's under-18 side last season, scoring three times — a striking return for a player stepping up an age group.
Primarily a centre-forward, Joseph has also been deployed in attacking midfield, and his earlier experience as a midfielder has refined his technical range and link-up ability beyond that of a conventional number nine.
Konde is a different profile and a deal has not yet been confirmed, but contact between United and his representatives has already taken place, with journalist The Secret Scout first breaking the story. The 16-year-old is a winger who operates primarily from the left but can play on either flank or more centrally.
He possesses electric pace and dribbling ability that Liverpool's academy coaching staff regard highly — a mark of which is that he was already playing under-18s football before he turned 16. He made six appearances in the under-18 Premier League last season and registered one assist.
United believe Konde can follow a similar path to Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven, both signed from Arsenal's academy and since integrated into the first-team environment at Carrington under Michael Carrick.
The summer moves on academy talent come against the backdrop of a deliberate strategic shift. United have withdrawn from the EFL Trophy and National League Cup for 2026-27, citing the return to the UEFA Youth League following Champions League qualification, and will focus a tighter under-18 group on higher-quality development opportunities.
Director of football Jason Wilcox is also involved in senior goalkeeping recruitment. United are considering Angus Gunn — released by Nottingham Forest this summer, where he was third choice behind Matz Sels and Stefan Ortega — as well as Karl Darlow, who is out of contract with Leeds.
Both are viewed as experienced cover for first-choice Senne Lammens as United navigate a Champions League schedule for the first time in several seasons.