Manchester United teenager Chido Obi is on the verge of joining Dutch club Willem II on loan for the 2026/27 season, according to Dutch outlet Voetbal International. The 18-year-old is expected to spend the campaign in Tilburg after earlier reports linked him with a move to Feyenoord.

Obi first made a name for himself at Arsenal's Hale End academy, where he made his under-21 debut aged just 15. He drew international attention after scoring 10 goals in a 14-3 victory against Liverpool at under-16 level — a performance that announced him as one of the most exciting young forwards in the country.

The Danish youth international moved to Manchester United in 2024 alongside Ayden Heaven, with both players seeking greater first-team opportunities. Manager Ruben Amorim handed Obi his Premier League debut in February 2025, and the teenager went on to become the youngest player ever to start a Premier League match for the club — aged just 17 years and 156 days — in an appearance against Brentford later that year.

Path to the first team blocked by big-money signings

Despite those milestones, consistent minutes have been difficult to come by. Obi has made only seven Premier League appearances in total, and his route to regular football at Old Trafford is complicated by the presence of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko — a trio who cost a combined £200 million.

FourFourTwo reports that Manchester United continue to hold Obi in high regard and favour a temporary move rather than a permanent departure. However, the club would consider selling if a suitable offer arrived.

The English transfer window shut at 11pm on Tuesday, 1 September, but Dutch clubs retained the ability to complete deals until 11pm BST on Wednesday, 2 September — keeping the door open for Obi's move to go through. Willem II, promoted from the Eerste Divisie last season, are yet to win a match in three Eredivisie outings in 2026/27. Transfermarkt values Obi at €5 million.