Darlington Osuchukwu is on the verge of leaving Manchester United after spending four years at the club.
With the summer transfer window open, Manchester United are making changes to the academy as well as the first team.
Cristian Orozco joins United from Fortaleza following a deal that was agreed last autumn, and more arrivals are expected over the coming weeks.
There will also be departures. One player set to leave United is Darlington Osuchukwu, a highly rated goalkeeper who joined the academy at the age of 13 from Spanish youth club Gazte Berriak.
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Athletic Bilbao closing on deal to sign Darlington Osuchukwu
Although Osuchukwu is thought highly of at United as a young goalkeeper with lots of potential, the 16-year-old has been linked with a move away from the club this summer.
That pathway into the first team at United is a daunting one for Osuchukwu, now that Senne Lammens has cemented the No.1 position.
Osuchukwu was linked to a list of European clubs last month, including Barcelona and Frankfurt, but the hot prospect is joining another outfit this summer.
According to El Gol Digital, Athletic Bilbao is on the verge of signing Osuchukwu from United, completing a deal the club has been actively working on since late 2025.
It is understood that Osuchukwu became a priority target for Athletic Bilbao in November after being identified by scouts.
If Osuchuwku stayed at United, he would have been a regular for the U18s in the coming season, but instead, he’s off to Spain to continue his development.
The U17 Spain international becomes the first player Athletic Bilbao have signed from United, partly due to their famous cantera policy – where they only sign players who were born or trained in the Basque Country.
Osuchukwu was born in Murcia.
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Darlington Osuchukwu’s message after leaving Man Utd
Osuchukwu took to Instagram this morning with a series of pictures from his time at United.
The young goalkeeper also wrote a message to fans about his time at the club, explaining that he is ready for the next step in his career.
Osuchukwu wrote: “After four unforgettable years at this incredible club, I have made the incredibly difficult decision to move on and embrace a new challenge.
“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.
“It is impossible to put into words how much this club has meant to me. 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. Every one of you has played a part in shaping not only the footballer I am today, but also the person I have become. The lessons, values, friendships, and memories I have gained here will stay with me for the rest of my life.
“I also want to thank the club for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to wear this badge. Representing Manchester United has been one of the greatest privileges of my young career, and something I will always be proud of.
“Although I am moving on, Manchester United will always hold a special place in my heart. I leave with nothing but gratitude, respect, and memories that I will cherish forever.
“Thank you for everything.”
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