Chibo Obi set for Man Utd exit after Deadline Day as Michael Carrick plan becomes clear

The Premier League transfer window may have slammed shut at 11pm on September 1, but other European leagues can still buy players, with Manchester United striker Chido Obi close to leaving on loan.

Chido Obi is one of the most promising youngsters in United's academy system. The 18-year-old joined the Red Devils from Arsenal in September 2024 after scoring an impressive 32 goals in 21 appearances for the Gunners U18s.

Less than eight months after moving to Old Trafford, Obi was handed his Premier League debut by Ruben Amorim in their 4-3 defeat to Brentford in May 2025, making him the youngest Man United player to feature in the competition, aged 17 years and 156 days.

Obi made a further six top-flight appearances during the 2024/25 campaign before returning to academy football, where he's since become one of the most lethal strikers in Premier League 2, scoring nine goals in 18 matches for the U21s last term.

But it's become clear that the Denmark U20 international isn't going to develop by playing with the U21s, and the decision has been made to send him out on loan for the campaign.

According to Fabrizio Romano on X, Obi will join Eredivisie side Willem II on a season-long loan, with his medical already taking place (September 2).

United have placed no buy option in the deal, as they see the towering striker as a potential future star who they hope can lead the line for the first team in the future.

Obi's arrival at William II couldn't have come at a better time for them, as they're winless from their opening three league matches - one draw and two losses - but they have scored four goals in those games.

Man United's striker options as Chido Obi looks set to depart

Eredivisie clubs have until midnight tonight (September 2) to complete any last-minute business before the window shuts.

Fortunately, Obi is close to finalising his move to the Dutch side, and that deal should be completed ahead of the deadline.

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Michael Carrick cannot promise the teenager regular first-team football, and staying would only hamper his development, but it has left United short of forward options after opting against bringing in cover for Benjamin Sesko.

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have both been used through the middle by Carrick as Sesko continues to recover from a shin injury, while Joshua Zirkzee - who almost joined Everton on deadline day - is their fourth option in that role.

Man United supporters did want the club to sell Zirkzee and bring in another centre-forward, but that didn't happen, and the club will have to make do with their current squad.

There was also frustration as the Red Devils failed in their attempts to sign a left-back to rival Luke Shaw, who is the only natural senior option at the club.

Lewis Hall was their top target; however, Newcastle United insisted that he wasn't for sale, and they will have to wait until 2027 to try and sign him again.

United's next Premier League fixture is against Everton on Sunday (September 6), as they look to build on their 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town.