Manchester United have finally secured the services of youngster Chido Obi-Martin, following months of seeking his signature.
Why Did The Transfer Drag For A Lengthy Time?
Reports indicate that Obi-Martin’s transfer from Arsenal as a free agent had stalled due to the Premier League’s five-step process.
The five-step review is a procedure of investigation conducted before registering any academy player.
Based on reports from football transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, that process was finalized on Friday, September 27, 2024, and as such, Chido Obi-Martin can be regarded as a player of Manchester United.
Romano shared: “Chido Obi Martin can now be considered new Manchester United player after Premier League approval!
“PL’s 5-step process concluded this morning with positive fheedback, as @AcademyScoop reports.
“Former Arsenal talent joins #MUFC, medical/signature already done.”
Top German Clubs Were Interested In Obi-Martin
Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund were also reported to have been interested in signing Obi-Martin, but Manchester United were hasty in convincing the highly-rated teenager to join the club.
The Dane has been likened to former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie due to his height and surreal finishing ability.
Obi-Martin starred during the last Under 18 Premier League season, scoring 32 goals and providing 3 assists in 18 appearances.
Chido Obi-Martin was in search of a club where he could develop his craft and grow into a top player and he apparently has found that in Manchester United.
Who Is Chido Obi-Martin?
Chido Obi-Martin is a Danish footballer who currently plays for Manchester United, having joined the club on a free transfer this summer after leaving Arsenal.
Obi-Martin was born in Glostrup, Denmark, on November 29, 2007, to a Danish mother and an Igbo-Nigerian father.
Chido Obi-Martin made the news on November 18, 2023, scoring 10 goals as Arsenal’s under-16 team defeated Liverpool’s side by 14 – 3.
Moreover, Obi-Martin made the headlines once again on April 27, 2024, scoring 7 goals for Arsenal’s Under-18 in their 9-0 win over Norwich City.
Chido Obi-Martin International Career
The 16-year-old is eligible to represent Denmark, England, and Nigeria at senior international level.
Obi made five appearances in late 2022 for Denmark’s under-16 side, before switching allegiance to England and representing them twice at under-16 level in February 2023.
However, in April 2023, he returned to the Danish under-16 team, scoring twice in three appearances.
His breathtaking goal-scoring form earned him an invitation to the Danish under-17 side, and he netted 3 goals in Denmark’s six 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualification matches.
Chido Obi-Martin helped Denmark qualify for the tournament proper, where he scored 2 goals in 5 games.
Obi-Martin’s performance at the tournament saw him being included in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship Team of the Tournament.
His Market Value?
His market value, according to Transfermkt, is €400,000.
Manchester United’s academy has, over time, been praised for its ability to churn out talents who have gone on to do great things in their careers.
It will be fascinating to see where the career of Obi-Martin is headed, given the qualities that he has displayed so far in his teenage years.
Manchester United supporters are beaming with smiles, having finally signed Chido Obi-Martin, and they will be hoping that he goes on to fulfill his potential.
