Manchester United are reportedly scouting a “superstar” wonderkid with a £56.2 million release clause as the plans for Chido Obi’s coming campaign are made clear.
While much of Manchester United’s current focus remains on adding fresh talent to Rúben Amorim’s first-team, director of football Jason Wilcox is continuing to make additions to the club’s Academy.
United have spent over £200 million on three starting XI additions, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško joining as the club’s new front three.
However, recruiting teen talent also remains high on the agenda, with the signing of 18-year-old Diego Leon from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteño a clear indication of this.
Leon’s signing follows the additions of Ayden Heaven, Chido Obi, Sekou Kone, and other teenage additions across the last 12 months.
United scouting £56.2m wonderkid
With United still searching for attacking talent, the club also announced the signing of young French striker Enzo Kana-Biyik, who joined after his contract at Le Havre expired. The 18-year-old was immediately sent on loan to INEOS-owned Swiss side FC Lausanne-Sport.
According to MailSport, another young forward the club have been scouting is Internacional’s Ricardo Mathias.
Club scout Alexandre Torres was in attendance to watch Internacional’s 1-1 draw with Fluminense last week, with a focus on tracking the developments of Mathias, who has a £56.2 million release clause in his current contract.
MailSport describes that those in Brazil see the 19-year-old as a player with “superstar” potential, although the potential costs involved mean a move may not materialise any time soon.
Obi set to stay this summer
Amid the arrival of Šeško, questions have been raised about whether the addition could see young striker Obi head out on loan before the window closes.
Read More: Manchester United make fresh decision on goalkeeper targets after Andre Onana’s return to training
However, according to MailSport’s report, those inside the club have explained that the current plan is for the 17-year-old sensation to continue developing in-house at Old Trafford.
Due to the limited potential for first-team minutes this season, he could still head out on loan if the right opportunity arises. However, the club and Amorim are planning for him to stay this summer and continue training with the first team.
🔴📰 | With Rasmus Højlund's exit being accelerated, there are currently no plans to push Chido Obi out on loan.
Limited minutes mean the door isn’t totally closed if a compelling opportunity arises late in the window.
Still, the current expectation is that Obi will remain with… pic.twitter.com/G0BTEU6CIl
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) August 12, 2025
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Amid the potential exit of Rasmus Højlund in the coming weeks after the Danish international was deemed surplus to requirements, Obi may be promoted to the third-choice striker role behind Šeško and Joshua Zirkzee.
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