Willem II look to sign Manchester United striker

Willem II are looking to strengthen their attacking options after returning to the Eredivisie, where they will require greater depth to compete throughout the campaign.

Devin Haen has made an encouraging start to the season, scoring twice across Willem II’s opening three league fixtures.

However, with experienced striker Thomas Verheydt regarded as more of a physical alternative, Willem II want to recruit a younger forward capable of providing serious competition for Haen.

According to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, the Dutch side are looking at Manchester United teenager Chido Obi.

The report claims that Willem II have identified the 18-year-old as a potential loan signing, although there is currently no indication that an agreement has been reached with the Red Devils.

Obi would provide John Stegeman with a very different attacking option.

His speed, strength and intelligent movement have allowed him to dominate at academy level, but those qualities now need to be tested through regular senior football.

The Denmark youth international began his development with FC Copenhagen before moving to Arsenal, where his extraordinary goalscoring performances made him one of the most discussed young strikers in English football.

United convinced Obi to leave the Gunners and move to Carrington in 2024, with the forward quickly demonstrating why the club had worked so hard to secure his signature.

Ruben Amorim handed him his senior debut against Tottenham Hotspur in February 2025 before gradually involving him more frequently during the remainder of the season following struggling performances from Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

Obi became United’s youngest-ever Premier League starter when Amorim selected him against Brentford at the age of just 17 years and 156 days.

The striker has now made seven league appearances for United, providing him with a valuable introduction to senior football without yet establishing himself as a regular member of the starting line-up.

A loan move to the Netherlands could therefore represent a sensible next step in his development.

The Eredivisie has regularly provided young attackers with opportunities to play expansive football, while competing with Haen would prevent Obi from being guaranteed minutes regardless of his performances.

Willem II’s interest remains at an early stage, and United must decide whether Obi would benefit more from leaving temporarily or continuing his development at Carrington.

However, a successful season in the Netherlands could allow the teenager to return to Old Trafford far better prepared to compete for a permanent first-team role.