Man Utd agree terms to loan out wonderkid after transfer deadline despite striker shortage

Manchester United and Dutch outfit Willem II have agreed terms on a season-long loan move for teenage striker Chido Obi.

Obi, 18, was a highly-rated member of Arsenal’s youth academy and was regarded as one of the best young strikers at youth level in England, scoring 32 goals in 18 matches for the Gunners’ Under-18s, which included 10 in one game against Liverpool.

He left north London in the summer of 2024, joining United where he was given opportunities in the first-team under Ruben Amorim.

He made the first-team squad on just one occasion last season however with his football restricted to appearances for the Under-21s and the FA Youth Cup.

Having outgrown academy football, United have sought a loan move the teenage striker.

While the English transfer window has closed, Dutch clubs can keep doing business until tonight with Eredivisie side Willem II winning the race for his signature.

Voetbal International report terms have been agreed with a medical taking place this evening.

United are short of centre forwards with the club opting against bringing in cover for Benjamin Sesko who has been on the bench for the opening two games of the campaign after missing the entire pre-season with a shin issue.

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have been used through the middle by Michael Carrick with Joshua Zirkzee also still at the club after a deadline move to Everton didn’t go through.

While Obi has a formidable record at youth level, the club have decided a loan to be the next best move for his development.

Obi made eight appearances in total under Amorim during the 2024-25 season, going onto score his first senior goals in a post-season tour of Asia.

Last season he scored 20 goals in 37 appearances across various youth competitions.

He made the bench away to Wolves in December last season in what turned out to be Amorim’s penultimate game in charge but is still to feature under Carrick.