‘I want to play as much as possible’ at Willem II – Chido Obi-Martin

Chido Obi-Martin has made it clear that regular first-team football is his priority after completing a loan move from Manchester United to Willem II.

The 18-year-old striker is heading to the Eredivisie determined to play as much as possible, gain valuable experience and continue his development away from Old Trafford.

“This is a great step in my career for me. I want to play as much as possible, gain experience and develop myself further. I will work hard for the team and hope to be important.”

Obi’s move comes after a period in which opportunities at Manchester United have been limited, despite the teenager making history during his breakthrough into the first team.

He joined United’s youth ranks from Arsenal and made his senior debut less than 12 months later. In 2025, he became the club’s youngest-ever Premier League starter when he was selected against Brentford.

However, with regular first-team minutes difficult to come by under manager Michael Carrick, United have sanctioned a loan move to give the promising forward the chance to play consistently at senior level.

Willem II ready to give Obi his platform

Willem II confirmed Obi’s arrival on Thursday, with the Dutch club confident the teenager can make an impact while continuing his development.

Technical director Freek Heerkens believes the Eredivisie provides the right environment for Obi to gain the experience he needs.

“Chido is a young, talented striker who is in his development at an important moment. He has been able to develop in a top-class sports environment at Manchester United in recent years and now likes to make flying hours.

“We can help him with that and the Eredivisie is an excellent stage for that. At the same time, our selection with Chido wins a striker who can be of value to the team with his qualities.”

The loan therefore represents an important stage in Obi’s development, with Willem II offering him the opportunity to test himself regularly in senior football.

United retain control of teenager’s future

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the agreement does not contain an option for Willem II to buy Obi permanently.

That means Manchester United will retain control of his long-term future, with the teenager expected to return to Old Trafford after completing his loan spell.

For Obi, the mission is now clear: establish himself as a regular at Willem II, gain the experience he needs and return to Manchester United better prepared to compete for a first-team place.