Chibo Obi likely to leave Man Utd after Deadline Day as Michael Carrick’s plan takes shape
The Premier League transfer window closed at 11pm on September 1, but other European leagues can still sign players. Manchester United striker Chido Obi is close to moving out on loan.
Obi is one of United’s brightest young talents. The 18-year-old joined from Arsenal in September 2024 after an incredible season, scoring 32 goals in 21 games for Arsenal’s U18 team.
Just eight months later, Obi made his Premier League debut for United in a thrilling 4-3 loss to Brentford in May 2025. At 17 years and 156 days old, he became the youngest player to represent Man United in the league.
He played six more top-flight games that season before going back to the academy, where he proved to be a deadly striker in Premier League 2, scoring nine goals in 18 matches for the U21s.
However, it’s clear that playing with the U21s won’t help Obi grow much more, so the club has decided to loan him out for the season.
According to Fabrizio Romano on X, Obi is set to join Eredivisie side Willem II on a season-long loan, with his medical already done on September 2. Man United didn’t include a buy option because they see Obi as a future star who might lead their attack one day.
His arrival comes at a good time for Willem II, who haven’t won any of their first three league matches—they’ve had one draw and two losses but have scored four goals in total.
Eredivisie clubs still have until midnight on September 2 to finish deals, and Obi’s move should be completed before then.
Man United coach Michael Carrick can’t promise Obi regular first-team play right now, and staying might hold him back. This leaves United a bit short up front after choosing not to bring in cover for Benjamin Sesko.
Carrick has been using Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha through the middle while Sesko recovers from a shin injury. Joshua Zirkzee, who almost moved to Everton on deadline day, is the fourth option.
Fans wanted the club to sell Zirkzee and sign another centre-forward, but that didn’t happen, so United will have to work with their current squad.
The club also missed out on signing a left-back to challenge Luke Shaw, their only natural senior player in that position. Their top target, Lewis Hall, wasn’t for sale as Newcastle United held firm. United will have to wait until 2027 to try again.
United’s next Premier League game is against Everton on Sunday, September 6, as they look to keep their good form going after a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town.