Arsenal have completed the signing of 20-year-old Nigerian full-back Habeeb Ogunneye from Manchester United. The London-born defender joins the Premier League champions following a 15-year development span at Old Trafford and a loan spell at Newport County.
From Old Trafford to North London: The 15-Year Journey
Arsenal officially announced the signing of promising London-born Nigerian full-back Habeeb Ogunneye. While the Premier League champions kept contract durations and financial figures under wraps, the move brings a definitive close to the defender’s long association with Manchester United.
Ogunneye spent 15 years progressing through the academy system at Old Trafford. His first-team trajectory included a call-up during an FA Cup fifth-round match against Nottingham Forest in February 2024. Although he made 10 appearances on senior matchday benches—including one fixture at home against Arsenal—he departed Manchester United without making a single senior competitive appearance for the club.
Men’s Football Reality Check at Newport County
To secure regular minutes in senior competition, Ogunneye spent the first half of last season on loan with Newport County. That stint in League Two provided the foundational physical education required for modern full-backs.
“It was great, my first season in men’s football, [learning about] the physicality, the recovery side, it was a great experience.”
Habeeb Ogunneye, Arsenal
During his time with The Exiles, the defender featured 21 times, netted once, and played a critical role in helping the club maintain its League Two status before Manchester United recalled him.
“I remember when I scored, it was like a moment of madness. I didn’t really know what to do. The stadium erupted; that’s the first time it’s properly happened for me, being in a big stadium where the three points mean something.”
Habeeb Ogunneye, Arsenal
Return to Hackney and the Arsenal Youth Pathway
Born in Hackney, the young defender was naturally drawn to a homecoming in north London. The presence of family in his home borough transformed the transfer into a literal full-circle moment.
It feels great to be here, it's such a big club,
Habeeb said after putting pen to paper on his Arsenal contract. I've got family who live in Hackney, so it's literally a full-circle moment. It's fantastic [to have my family here].
Beyond geography, Arsenal’s track record of promoting youth players directly into the first team sealed the decision. Seeing academy graduates feature prominently in the club’s recent Premier League title triumph made the choice straightforward for the England under-17 international.
“When I heard [Arsenal] were interested in me, I said to my agents it’s a no-brainer. Seeing all the young players that are coming through as well, so I just wanted to come straight away.”
Habeeb Ogunneye, Arsenal
I just wanted to be part of that group, and win games together. It's good playing with good players, good defenders; it's only going to better you, Ogunneye added
Squad Number and Immediate Development Plan
Ogunneye received the squad number 62 upon his arrival for EFL Trophy matches and training. He will initially integrate into Arsenal’s under-21 squad.
The club expects the right-back to begin his Arsenal career with the youth team while also training with the first team—particularly during international breaks when several senior players may be away on international duty.
“[Now] I want to get better every day and we’ll see what happens from there.”
Habeeb Ogunneye, Arsenal
Everyone at Arsenal is delighted to welcome Habeeb to the club and looks forward to seeing him in action as he takes his game to the next level.
