Eredivisie outfit Willem II have entered talks with Manchester United over a season-long loan deal for young striker Chido Obi, according to The Athletic journalist Laurie Whitwell.
The 18-year-old made his United breakthrough under former manager Ruben Amorim during the 2024/25 season. He made seven Premier League appearances and one in the FA Cup.
However, the youngster did not get any first-team minutes last term. He played exclusively for the youth sides, scoring 20 goals in 37 appearances.
Obi was recently left out of Under-21 action, and Whitwell says he could secure a loan move to the Eredivisie with Willem II, who appear prepared to provide regular senior minutes.
FC Koln and Feyenoord were previously credited with loan interest in Obi, but Willem II are now the most likely destination. The Dutch transfer window does not close until tomorrow midnight.
Obi would benefit from first-team football
The Dane has been a revelation at the academy level but needs to make the next step with senior football. He showed a glimpse of his ability in 2024/25, but has not had any chances since.
His situation may not improve at United in the near future. Benjamin Sesko is United’s first-choice striker when fit, while Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee can play up top.
Zirkzee was linked with a surprise loan move to Everton earlier on deadline day, but the Toffees have called off talks. They have instead revived discussions about signing Monaco striker Folarin Balogun.
With the fierce competition upfront, it appears right for Obi to pursue a loan move to the Netherlands. Feyenoord would have been a perfect club for him with Champions League exposure this term.
That option no longer appears on the cards. Meanwhile, Willem II have just been promoted back to the Dutch top tier after a year’s absence and look to be one of the favourites to be relegated again.
Hence, they are hardly the ideal club for Obi to develop, but he should gain valuable experience with regular game time. If a loan deal is agreed, United may keep a recall clause for January, as they may not want their young striker to have negative exposure to a relegation tussle.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
