Manchester United goalkeeper Darlington Osuchukwu has confirmed his departure after rejecting the chance to extend his four-year stay at the club.
The 16-year-old thanked United for offering him the opportunity to continue his development at Old Trafford. However, Osuchukwu and his family decided that he needed a new challenge.
Reports in Spain expect the goalkeeper to join Athletic Club. The Bilbao side have tracked him for almost a year and view him as a priority academy addition.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Barcelona, Reims, Eintracht Frankfurt and Anderlecht also showed interest in the teenager. Athletic now appear ready to win the race.
Osuchukwu explains emotional United exit
Osuchukwu described representing United as one of the greatest privileges of his young career. He thanked the coaches, kit staff and teammates who supported him after his arrival in 2022.
“After four unforgettable years at this incredible club, I have made the incredibly difficult decision to move on and embrace a new challenge,” he wrote on Instagram.
“This was not a decision my family and I took lightly. While I was grateful to be given the opportunity to continue my journey here, we believe the time is right to begin a new chapter.”
The goalkeeper previously represented England at youth level before choosing Spain. United confirmed his place in a Spain Under-17 squad last November.
Osuchukwu leaves after winning trophies with United at under-14 and under-15 level. Kai Rooney was among the academy players who responded to his farewell message.
His exit leaves United with another academy goalkeeping decision. Charlie Hardy arrived from Derby County in January, while several older prospects also need clear development plans.
As Read Man Utd recently examined, interest in Radek Vítek has already forced the club to consider which young goalkeepers should stay, leave on loan or move permanently.
United wanted Osuchukwu to continue at Carrington, but the player has chosen a different pathway. Athletic’s reputation for developing goalkeepers appears to have helped them secure one of United’s highly rated young prospects.
