Promising youngster Zidane Iqbal clinched his exit from Manchester United to FC Utrecht earlier this week.
In his first interview since the move was announced, Zidane Iqbal has revealed he almost signed with Utrecht on loan in January.
Speaking to the Utrecht YouTube channel, Iqbal, 20, explained that a loan deal was discussed at the start of 2023.
He said: “In January I was maybe going to come here on a loan. I don’t know what it fell through in January but whatever’s meant to be will be and now I’m here.”
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24
Zidane Iqbal prefers permanent departure
Many had expected Zidane Iqbal would leave on loan this summer. Instead he has left on a permanent basis, signing a four-year deal.
The youngster has explained why he finds this preferable to a loan, as it allows more room for growth.
He said: “It didn’t make sense to come in on loan. Permanent, I can grow as a player, different experiences, play for a team, and just settle in.
“Maybe one year, the loan, I don’t have a good season, but with a four year contract I give myself time to settle in and get going.”
Iqbal is one of six players who have left Manchester United to Eredivisie clubs over the past 20 years, including loan spells.
The MEN reports United have a 40 per cent sell-on clause, while ESPN claim the club have a buy-back clause.
Iqbal is the first player to be sold by Manchester United this summer, with the club receiving a small fee of £860,000.
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