Chido Obi: Manchester United’s Danish-Nigerian striker joins Willem II on season-long loan

Danish-Nigerian striker Chido Obi has joined Willem II from Manchester United on loan, completing a move to the Eredivisie club on 2 September 2026.

The 18-year-old centre-forward moves after spending the previous season with Manchester United’s senior squad. He becomes a Willem II player for the 2026-27 campaign, with the loan scheduled to end on 30 June 2027.

Obi was born in Glostrup and represents both Denmark and Nigeria through his nationality. At 1.88m, he is a right-footed forward whose primary position is centre-forward.

Before joining Manchester United, Obi spent time in Arsenal’s youth system. He moved from Arsenal Under-18s to become a free agent on 1 July 2024, before joining Manchester United Under-18s in October of the same year. He then progressed to Manchester United’s first-team squad at the start of the 2025-26 season.

The striker’s record in youth football includes two top-scorer awards. He scored 32 goals in the Under-18 Premier League during the 2023-24 season and added seven goals in the FA Youth Cup in 2024-25.

Obi’s switch gives him a new club in the Netherlands after his development in England, where he also began his academy career with FCK Youth before moving to Arsenal Youth in 2022. His move to Willem II is the latest step in a path that has included youth football in Denmark and England.

Willem II compete in the Eredivisie, while Manchester United play in the Premier League. Obi’s registration with the Dutch club follows his departure from United on a temporary basis rather than a permanent transfer.

The loan agreement between Willem II and Manchester United runs until 30 June 2027.