Upon leaving Manchester United in the summer, the Carrington graduate spoke about a transfer away from Old Trafford offering him a ‘huge chance to make a name for myself’.
Less than two months after putting pen to paper, that decision already appears to have been justified.
Not every talented young player can make the grade at Manchester United, of course. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are very much the exception rather than the rule, with Toby Collyer perhaps the next in line for a first-team role at United.
Others, such as James Garner, Angel Gomes, Anthony Elanga and Teden Mengi, had little choice but to give up on that Red Devils dream in order to stand out from the crowd.
And when it became apparent that Maxi Oyedele was not going to be considered for a senior spot under Erik ten Hag, the Salford-born 19-year-old came to the conclusion that regular first-team football at Legia Warsaw was an opportunity he simply could not turn down.
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Maxi Oyedele hailed by Legia Warsaw boss after Manchester United exit
15-time champions Legia are, after all, one of Poland’s bigger clubs.
Oyedele, who represents Poland at Under 21 level, can also play European football for The Militarians. Legia host Real Betis in Thursday’s Europa Conference League opener at the Polish Army Stadium.
Oyedele impressed on his first Legia Warsaw start during last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Gornik Zabrze. So much so that a senior debut for the Polish national team is now on the cards, Michal Probierz calling the teenager into his roster for the upcoming UEFA Nations league clashes with Portugal and Croatia.
There are some how may wonder if a first Poland cap is coming too soon for a 19-year-old with just 100 minutes of Ekstraklasa football under his belt.
But not Legia Warsaw coach Goncalo Feio. As far as he is concerned, Oyedele has a long and decorated career ahead of himself both for club and country.
“Unbelievable potential,” Feio said after Oyedele completed 88 per cent of his passes and won the most tackles on the pitch against Gornik Zabrze. “Today, he performed great for a debut. I know what a hard-working man he is, so there’s nothing but joy.
When asked about Oyedele again a few days later, in the build up to Real Betis’ trip to Poland, Feio was even more effusive in his praise for the one-time Altrincham and Forest Green Rovers loanee.
Poland call-up justified as Oyedele shines in Ekstraklasa
“I didn’t know about the call-up [when I praised him over the weekend]! It shows what an impression he made in Saturday’s match,” beams the Portuguese tactician.
“Maxi came to us from Manchester United, he went straight to the youth-team training camp. He quickly settled into the team, got along with his teammates and adapted to our requirements.
“After a great performance against Gornik and after being called up to the national team, he didn’t change his approach at all. That’s very important.
“The call-up for Maxi is the result of our work. The players earned it during training sessions, outside of them and during matches. The team and staff also contributed to the call-ups, because it is a team sport. We are all very happy.”
Oyedele, who set up a goal for Joe Hugill against Rangers in pre-season, spent 12 years at Manchester United after joining from Burnley over a decade ago.
United were keen to include a ‘substantial’ sell-on clause in Oyedele’s Legia contract, a sign that they too believe in his potential.
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