Spanish-born Nigerian goalkeeper Darlington Osuchukwu has taken to social media to confirm that he has completed a transfer from Premier League giants Manchester United to La Liga club Athletic Bilbao.
The Murcia native is the second player of Nigerian descent to join Athletic Bilbao from a Premier League club in recent years, following Elijah Gift, who was acquired from Liverpool for a fee of one million euros in the summer of 2023.
Manchester United wanted to retain Osuchukwu, but he opted to continue his development at Athletic Bilbao, rejecting a scholarship offer from the Old Trafford club in the process.
The shot-stopper honed his skills in Gazte Berriak's youth academy in Ansoain, Navarre, before spending a year with Osasuna's youth teams.
After his family relocated to England for work in 2020, when he was 13, Darlington impressed Manchester United's scouts and secured a move to the club in 2021.
Confirming his move to Athletic Bilbao, Osuchukwu posted on Instagram: "I feel deeply honoured and proud to begin this new chapter with Athletic Club, a club with a rich tradition and strong values.
"I want to thank my family for their love and support throughout this journey. None of this would have been possible without them. This is just the beginning."
Osuchukwu's family was present as he signed his contract with Athletic Bilbao.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com