Feyenoord look to sign Manchester United striker

Feyenoord entered the summer knowing that further improvement would be required to fight for the Dutch title after finishing second in the Eredivisie last season.

The Rotterdam club scored 70 league goals but still ended the campaign 19 points behind champions PSV Eindhoven, leaving them with a considerable gap to close under returning head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Ayase Ueda carried much of Feyenoord’s attacking threat, finishing as the Eredivisie’s leading scorer with 25 goals. However, continued speculation around his future has increased the club’s need for further depth at centre-forward.

Fenerbahce have already submitted an offer for Ueda, although the Japanese international rejected a move to Turkey and reportedly only wants to leave Feyenoord for an opportunity in the Premier League.

That uncertainty has led Feyenoord towards Manchester United youngster Chido Obi, with De Telegraaf reporting that talks are taking place over a potential loan agreement.

The 18-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest prospects within United’s academy, but his opportunities in the senior side have been limited since his arrival from Arsenal in October 2024.

Obi made his first-team debut against Tottenham Hotspur in February 2025 and accumulated eight competitive appearances during his first campaign at Old Trafford.

However, the Denmark youth international spent much of last season back with United’s academy sides, where he continued to demonstrate his goalscoring ability for the under-18s and under-21s.

United are now reportedly prepared to sanction a temporary departure so Obi can gain regular experience in senior football.

Feyenoord are currently only pursuing a loan, although it is unclear whether an option to buy could be included.

However, a move to De Kuip would still leave Obi facing significant competition for minutes.

Ueda remains at the club, while Nacho Ferri has received more opportunities during the opening weeks of the campaign. Casper Tengstedt provides another senior alternative for Van Bronckhorst.

The potential arrival would also create further uncertainty around Shaqueel van Persie, the 19-year-old son of former United striker Robin van Persie.

Van Persie is still waiting for consistent first-team football at Feyenoord, and another highly rated teenage striker arriving from overseas would place an additional obstacle in his path.

For United, Feyenoord’s reputation for developing young talent makes the move attractive. However, they must receive assurances over Obi’s role before approving any agreement.

A season competing for meaningful senior minutes could accelerate his development, but another year spent behind several established forwards would offer little improvement on his present situation.