Chido Obi Martin will reportedly sign a professional contract with Manchester United when he turns 17 on Friday.
The forward made the move to Man United from Arsenal over the summer, and he has been in impressive form for the club's Under-18s during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring four goals and registering one assist in four appearances.
The Denmark Under-18s international struck a hat trick on his full debut for the Red Devils against Nottingham Forest Under-18s at the end of October, while he also registered against Everton Under-18s in his last appearance for the youth side.
Obi Martin signed a scholarship contract with the 20-time English champions at the start of October, but according to Tipsbladet, he will pen a professional deal with the club on his 17th birthday on Friday.
"Very happy to sign with this amazing club, time to focus and achieve all my dreams," Obi-Martin wrote on Instagram when he made the move to Old Trafford. "Thanks to everyone who has helped me get this far."
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Obi Martin 'to sign professional Man United deal' on Friday
Obi Martin had an incredible 2023-24 campaign for Arsenal Under-18s, scoring 32 goals in 18 appearances, including 28 goals in his final nine appearances of the season.
However, the forward decided against signing a new contract with the Gunners, having allegedly struggled to see a clear pathway into the first-team picture at the Emirates Stadium.
Man United are said to have beaten a number of clubs to his signature, and he is being tipped as a future star.
The forward scored 10 times for Arsenal Under-16s in a single match against Liverpool Under-16s last November, while he made his debut for Arsenal Under-21s at the age of 15.
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Could Obi Martin soon be handed a first-team debut?
Man United Under-18s boast a number of excellent talents, including Amir Ibragimov and Bendito Mantato, and there is no question that first-team manager Ruben Amorim will be keeping a close eye on the team.
The club's goalscoring issues were again on display against Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Sunday; Marcus Rashford was given the nod as the striker, and the Englishman scored the first goal of the Amorim era.
However, Rashford struggled to contribute after a bright start, while neither Rasmus Hojlund nor Joshua Zirkzee had an impact off the bench, as Man United were forced to settle for a share of the spoils at Portman Road.
The Red Devils are being careful when it comes to Obi Martin, as he did not have a pre-season, but if the forward continues to find the back of the net on a regular basis, then he could come into contention in the second half of the campaign, particularly if Amorim is unable to get a tune out of the senior strikers at Old Trafford.
The 20-time English champions will return to action against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday night before welcoming Everton to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Matt Law
