Manchester United can finally call Chido Obi-Martin one of their own - and he's already relishing life in the Red Devils' first-team.
Obi-Martin, 16, chose to leave Premier League rivals Arsenal this summer and had the eyes of Europe on him after smashing records left, right and centre in the Gunners' academy. The Danish sensation notably scored 10 goals in Arsenal's 14-3 win over Liverpool at under-16 level last November and then struck a whopping 28 times in just 10 games for the Gunners' U18s between March and May.
But after turning down a professional contract in north London, Obi-Martin had the pick of some of Europe's biggest clubs. Newcastle, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund were reportedly among the big-name teams who tried their luck before United won the race for his signature.
But it hasn't been easy for the Red Devils, as they've had to wait weeks for his signing to be made official. Negotiations were dragged out as compensation had to be agreed between United and Arsenal, plus the Premier League needed to ratify the transfer.
Now United have their man (or boy) and he's ready to get started. "Very happy to sign with this amazing club, time to focus and achieve all my dreams," the former Arsenal starlet posted on social media alongside images of him signing his contract and him as a child wearing a counterfeit United shirt.
"Thanks to everyone who has helped me get this far."
Obi-Martin is expected to begin his journey at Old Trafford by playing for United's U18s. He recently visited the 20-time English champions' training complex at Carrington to sign his pro deal, with a view to representing the first-team in the near future.
Born in the Danish town of Glostrup, near Copenhagen, Obi-Martin has represented both Denmark and England at youth international level. He did, however, feature for the Danes at this year's Euro U17 tournament.
United already have two senior Denmark internationals in their first-team squad, midfielder Christian Eriksen and striker Rasmus Hojlund. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Red Devils' new-look hierarchy are prioritising signing young talents like Obi-Martin and building a team for the long-term.
None of United's five signings from the summer transfer window, who set them back a total of £182million, arrived over the age of 26. The Red Devils also snapped up 18-year-old midfielder Sekou Kone before deadline day, joining from Guidars in his homeland of Mali and going into United's academy setup.
Sanbimnty
0
svgdsyus
Lekcmnrs
2
Welcome to theatre of dreams..GGMU..
Cebaceknuy
0
Nice one thanks Man u , Good lucky Chido welcome to Manchester United May good Lord bless you
dekabkmns
0
good luck to him in the TOXIC club who lives in the museum era. When was the last time won EPL and win UCL ........... hmmm a decade or two decades ago?
assenal won pl in 2004 that is 20 years but still have mouth to speak barking dog never bite barking assenal never won ucl
E9604
0
good luck to him in the TOXIC club who lives in the museum era. When was the last time won EPL and win UCL ........... hmmm a decade or two decades ago?
show us the one for Arsenal too. 🤣🤣
Viyeikpstz
2
ETH will make his talent at bench.
yukklnrsuz
0
If he keeps his head on his shoulders, this boy may go far.
what will happen if he keep his head in his armpit?
Kesadlor
1
traitor and mercenary, prepare this for life
Dieaiosu
0
If he keeps his head on his shoulders, this boy may go far.
...and if he doesn't, he'll still go far 😂
cihacdkosz
1
good luck to him in the TOXIC club who lives in the museum era. When was the last time won EPL and win UCL ........... hmmm a decade or two decades ago?
fanaceiop
0
Rooney had his debut as a 16 yrs old lad, surely Obi and Sekou can't be far from first team.
Balancology1
0
Good
Fudge007
2
B team reserve lol Shortire is out in Greece can't buy a game... what you gonna do at that circus!
sahadipstu
0
good news
lukikmnrsz
0
If he keeps his head on his shoulders, this boy may go far.
rashabk
0
welcome to the side of vawolance and everything send out