INEOS is working on fees for young players from Man City and Liverpool as a new plan for Man United takes shape.
It looks like INEOS, the owners of Manchester United, are trying a new approach to transfers by focusing on two exciting young talents. With less than four weeks until the 2026/27 Premier League season begins—starting with Arsenal hosting newly-promoted Coventry City—fans are getting more excited, especially now the summer World Cup is over.
So far, most Premier League clubs have kept quiet in the transfer market. But two big moves have made headlines: Elliot Anderson’s £116 million transfer to Manchester City and Morgan Rogers’ £117 million move to Chelsea just days later, both setting records for British players.
Manchester United have signed three players this summer already: goalkeeper Karl Darlow from Leeds on a free transfer, plus Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans and Chelsea’s Andrey Santos for a total of £85 million. They’ve also been linked to some other big names like Manu Kone, Carlos Baleba, and Alex Scott.
However, recent reports suggest that INEOS is turning their attention to young players for the academy. The Sun says United are close to signing Liverpool’s 16-year-old winger Isaac Konde, a talented player who mainly plays on the left but can also switch sides or play up front.
That’s not all—Manchester City youth midfielders David Eze and Karim Cassim, both 16, are also thought to be joining United this summer. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s owner, has made it clear he wants to find hidden talents and turn them into stars, either to help the team or sell for a big profit.
Eze has been a target all summer after making it clear he wants to leave City and has even been compared to former United star Paul Pogba. Cassim is a versatile midfielder who can cover several key roles on the pitch. Deals for all three young players are said to be close, with talks ongoing about fees to be paid to City and Liverpool. Once signed, they’re expected to start with the Under-18 squad.
While United is investing in youth, they’re still looking to strengthen the first team. After a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson fell through, it’s clear they need another top midfielder. Real Madrid’s Tchouameni has been linked with a move to United, although reports said he’d extended his contract with Madrid, which slowed the rumors down.
Now, The Sun reports Real Madrid might be open to selling Tchouameni if they can sign Manchester City’s Rodri. If that happens, United could swoop in to sign the French midfielder and help fund Madrid’s new signing.
So, it’s shaping up to be an interesting transfer window for Manchester United, focusing on both exciting youth and potential star signings.