Arsenal U21 recruit dual-national defender Habeeb Ogunneye from Manchester United

England and Nigeria right-back Habeeb Ogunneye has joined Arsenal U21 from Manchester United U21.

The 20-year-old defender moves into Arsenal’s Premier League 2 squad after spending the previous season with Manchester United’s development side, following a loan spell at Newport County.

Ogunneye joined Newport in July 2025 and returned to Manchester United U21 in January 2026 when that loan ended. He now begins a new chapter in north London, with Arsenal’s under-21 team competing in Premier League 2.

Born in London, Ogunneye is a right-footed full-back whose preferred position is on the right side of defence. He stands 1.75m tall and has represented the footballing pathway associated with both England and Nigeria through his recorded nationalities.

His move to Arsenal follows several years within Manchester United’s academy system. He joined Manchester United U18 from the club’s youth ranks in July 2022 before progressing to the under-21 side two years later.

Ogunneye was part of the Manchester United U18 group that won the English Youth League in the 2023-24 season. That success came during his development at the club, before his move into senior development football and subsequent loan experience with Newport.

His most recent recorded campaign with Manchester United U21 began after his return from Newport in January. He had been registered for Premier League 2 before switching clubs at the start of the 2026-27 season.

The defender joins an Arsenal U21 team competing in the same league as his former club, meaning his next stage of development will come in a familiar competition. Arsenal’s academy side has added a player with experience of both an under-21 programme and a spell in the professional game with Newport County.

Ogunneye’s arrival is his first move away from Manchester United’s system since entering the club’s youth structure. His progression has included youth football, academy-level competition and a loan period in the senior game, leading to his switch to Arsenal at the age of 20.

The transfer was completed on 30 August 2026, with Ogunneye now registered as an Arsenal U21 player.