Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Denmark youth international striker Chido Obi-Martin following the expiration of his schoolboy terms at Arsenal.
The Athletic reported in June that the 16-year-old had visited United’s Carrington training facilities amid discussions over a move.
United confirmed Obi-Martin had been added to the club’s group of first-year scholars, alongside fellow new arrivals Samuel Lusale and James Overy. Lusale, a 17-year-old winger, and Overy, a 17-year-old right-back, signed from Perth Glory and Crystal Palace respectively this summer.
The trio will be part of the club’s ‘professional development phase’, which provides players with the opportunity to transition between the club’s under-18 and under-21 sides and prepare them for a senior football career.
Nick Cox, Manchester United’s academy director, said: “We welcome Samuel Lusale, Chido Obi-Martin and James Overy to the club. All three young players will join up with our professional development phase as they adjust to life in Manchester and become acquainted with their new team-mates.
“It can be a difficult process for some players, while others slot right in. Whatever the scenario, our staff will be on hand to care for these young boys and make sure their experience at the academy is an overwhelmingly positive one that sets them up for life.
“Good to luck to Samuel, Chido and James, well done to our recruitment team and congratulations to the families and wider support networks involved in these boys’ journeys. Signing for Manchester United should be a proud day for everyone involved.”
Obi-Martin spent two seasons in Arsenal’s youth academy after joining the club from Copenhagen-based club KB.
The striker is highly regarded by the north London club but failed to agree terms on a new deal that would have been a scholarship before switching to a professional contract upon reaching his 17th birthday, which will be November 29.
A junior international for England and Denmark, he scored 10 goals in a 14-3 win for Arsenal’s under-16s over Liverpool in November.
Obi-Martin found the net four times against both Crystal Palace and Fulham, five versus West Ham United and seven in a meeting with Norwich City for the under-18s last season.
In total, he recorded 29 goals in 17 league matches for the under-18s.
Obi-Martin played in Denmark’s 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualification campaign, scoring twice in three group stage games.
Credit: The Atlantic
