Manchester United are in advanced discussions over the future of 18-year-old striker Chido Obi, with Dutch giants Feyenoord emerging as the leading candidate to sign the teenager, according to a report from De Telegraaf.

The Rotterdammers are understood to be pursuing a loan arrangement to bring Obi to De Kuip, but United have placed a €5 million price tag on the player should any club wish to buy him outright. De Telegraaf describes the potential deal as "surprising" given that Feyenoord already have Ayase Ueda, Ignacio Ferri, and Shaqueel van Persie available in attack.

A talent who caught the eye early

Obi first made a name for himself in Arsenal's Hale End academy, where he made his under-21 debut at the age of 15. He captured international attention after scoring 10 goals in a stunning 14-3 victory over Liverpool at under-16 level.

In 2024, Obi made the surprise move to Manchester United alongside Ayden Heaven, with the pair seeking greater opportunities for first-team football. Obi received his Premier League debut under then-manager Ruben Amorim in February 2025, and a few months later, against Brentford, he became the youngest player ever to start a Premier League match for United — at just 17 years and 156 days old.

Pathway blocked by big signings

Despite the early promise, Obi found regular first-team involvement hard to come by. Amorim reportedly urged the teenager to "be humble" and wait for his moment, but with Manchester United bringing in Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha during the last transfer window, Obi did not feature once for the senior side throughout the entire season.

FourFourTwo understands that United continue to hold Obi in high regard and would ideally prefer a loan move, though the club would not rule out a permanent sale if the price were right. Transfermarkt currently values the striker at €5 million.

Carrick's approach offers some hope

New Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has shown a greater willingness to engage with the club's academy than his predecessor. Amorim was reported to have never watched a full academy fixture during his tenure at Old Trafford, while Carrick attended one within weeks of being appointed interim boss — a signal, perhaps, that young talents such as Obi could yet have a future at the club.

United return to Premier League action next weekend when they face Ipswich Town.