Man United send Chido Obi to Dutch side for experience

Manchester United have agreed to loan 18‑year‑old forward Chido Obi to Dutch Eredivisie side Willem II for a season, the club confirmed. The European youngster has already made eight first‑team appearances for United and featured in the FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City last season.

Willem II back in Eredivisie

Willem II, based in the town of Tilburg, returned to the Dutch top flight after finishing third in the Eerste Divisie and winning promotion through the play‑offs. John Stegeman’s team have already played three Eredivisie matches, losing the opening two 4‑1 before drawing 2‑2 with Heerenveen.

The club’s next challenge comes at home against Excelsior on Saturday, a match that could provide Obi with valuable senior minutes in a competitive environment.

Obi’s international pedigree

Born in Denmark, Obi has represented the Danish Under‑21 side and previously played for England’s Under‑17 team at the 2024 European Under‑17 Championship, where he was named in the Team of the Tournament. He remains eligible for Denmark, England or Nigeria at senior level.

Arsenal aims to poach BVB's target Josh King from Premier League

Obi joined United from Arsenal just before his 17th birthday, with former defender Phil Jones praising him as an ‘animal’ of a player. He scored ten goals in a 14‑3 Under‑16 victory over Liverpool and broke the Under‑18 Premier League record with 32 goals in 18 games during the 2023/24 season.

He made his senior debut for United last year, Getty, coming on as a late substitute for Casemiro against Tottenham. Obi went on to make six more Premier League appearances in 2024/25, becoming United’s youngest starter in the competition against Brentford in May. Having not featured for the first team last term, he now seeks regular action on loan.

Arsenal chase as Liverpool and Real Madrid target €25m midfielder

The season‑long loan to Willem II marks Obi’s first spell away from Old Trafford, offering him the chance to gain consistent senior experience in the Eredivisie and prove his readiness for future United duties.