Young talent Nehemiah Oriola has left Manchester United and signed with Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 16-year-old confirmed the move on transfer deadline day, wiring on Instagram that he was ‘looking forward to the next chapter.’
Oriola, an attacking midfielder, has been playing for Brighton’s under-18s over the past month, where he scored once in three appearances.
Now the formalities have been completed and he has tied up his move to Brighton.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24
Nehemiah Oriola signs for Brighton
Nehemiah Oriola featured for Manchester United’s under-16s last season and was expected to step up for the under-18s.
He played once for United’s under-18s last season in a win over Derby County, featuring as a substitute at just 15.
However, his name was not included on United’s recently announced list of Professional Development Group players for 2023/24, and has joined Brighton instead.
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Pictured with Sir Alex Ferguson
Nehemiah Oriola was pictured at Carrington with Sir Alex Ferguson when he signed from West Ham in 2020. He was just 13 at the time.
Oriola had described the move as a ‘dream come true’.
Brighton move may worry United
It is unclear whether Manchester United ushered Oriola out the door, or he chose to leave against the club’s wishes.
However, his choice of next club is a sign that Manchester United may go on to regret losing him.
Brighton are gaining an impressive reputation for spotting young talent, either through signings like Moises Caicedo, or through youth development like Evan Ferguson.
This may not be the last time we hear of Oriola. United will hope it is a not a departure which proves costly.