Man Utd agrees deal for next transfer after hidden work from two staff members

Manchester United have reportedly secured a deal with young striker Chido Obi-Martin. The promising talent was given a tour of Carrington earlier this month, and despite an offer from Arsenal to stay in London, it seems the Red Devils have won the race for his signature.

Although some details are yet to be finalised, the Manchester Evening News has confirmed that an agreement is in place.

The successful acquisition of Obi-Martin is largely thanks to United's head of academy, Nick Cox, and the head of academy recruitment, Luke Fedorenko. Their efforts in securing the young player's move to United will be seen as a significant victory for the club.

READ MORE: Liverpool handed major injury boost as Arne Slot has three extra players before Arsenal
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Deal close, Anthony Gordon latest, Joey Veerman and Gleison Bremer updates

Since Cox took over as head of the academy in December 2019, United's youth development program has seen a resurgence. His contribution has been instrumental in bringing the academy back to the forefront of youth development, making him a highly valued member of the staff.

Fedorenko, who started as lead scout for Under-9s to Under-11s, has climbed the ranks and was promoted to head of academy recruitment last August as part of a restructuring process.

He joined the Red Devils in 2017 and has spent seven years at the club, also working as head of local recruitment in the academy before his promotion last year. Fedorenko has a strong relationship with Cox as the pair worked together in Sheffield United's youth system.

Denmark-born Obi-Martin joined Arsenal from Danish team KB in 2022 and went from strength to strength last season, notably scoring 10 goals in a single game against Liverpool.

Obi-Martin has been a youth international for Denmark and England, but he represented Denmark in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualification campaign this year.

Obi-Martin will celebrate his 17th birthday in November - the age when professional contracts can be signed. United's U18s won a stunning treble last season, winning two trophies at the expense of Manchester City, and the club continues to demonstrate a pathway to the first-team for youngsters.

Liverpool.com says: United appears to have pulled off a real coup in signing Obi-Martin, with Arsenal pushing to keep hold of him. The teenager will be part of the academy at Old Trafford but United staff members have evidently shown there is a clear pathway to first-team football.