Osuchukwu rejects new deal and leaves Manchester United for Athletic Bilbao at 16

Darlington Osuchukwu is leaving Manchester United after rejecting a new contract offer, with the 16-year-old goalkeeper expected to join Athletic Bilbao following a four-year spell in the club’s academy.

The Spanish youth international, who originally relocated to England from Spain for family reasons before signing with United in 2022, confirmed his departure in an emotional statement on Instagram. “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. “This was not a decision my family and I took lightly.”

Osuchukwu had represented England at youth level before switching international allegiances to Spain. According to Spanish outlet Gol Digital, Athletic Bilbao’s recruitment staff had been tracking him for close to 12 months, with academy director Mikel Gonzalez identifying him as a priority signing whose profile aligns with the Basque club’s footballing philosophy.

The teenager was not short of suitors. Barcelona were among the clubs reported to have shown interest, alongside Reims, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Anderlecht — a measure of the regard in which he is held across European football.

During his time at United, Osuchukwu won silverware with the under-14s and under-15s sides. His departure drew a public show of support from Kai Rooney, son of Wayne, who recently signed a scholarship with the club.

In his farewell message, Osuchukwu was careful to acknowledge the full breadth of the club’s staff. “I want to thank everyone at Manchester United — and I truly mean everyone. From the coaches who believed in me, to the kitmen who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and especially my teammates, who became so much more than teammates — they became my brothers.”

He added that United “will always hold a special place” in his heart, signing off with a message of “gratitude, respect, and memories that I will cherish forever.”

The exit leaves a question mark over the depth of United’s academy goalkeeping options at the younger age groups, with one of their most highly regarded prospects now heading to the Basque Country.