Super Eagles news: Manchester United sign Nigerian descent on long-term deal

English Premier League club Manchester United have secured the future of highly rated Super Eagles-eligible winger Noah Ajayi, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ajayi, who has Nigerian heritage through his father, has committed his future to United after impressing during his development at the club's academy.

The 17-year-old was born in Hamburg, Germany, to a Nigerian father and German mother. He then moved to England with his father at the age of 10 before joining Manchester United's academy.

Over the years, he has progressed through the club's youth system, featuring in the under-18 Premier League and the UEFA Youth League. Soccernet has even reported of recent top performances from the youngster. And now, Ajayi has now been rewarded with his first professional deal.

Reports earlier this month revealed that United were in advanced talks with the winger, with Sky Sports reporting that he had attracted interest from clubs in England and elsewhere in Europe.

Those developments came amid uncertainty surrounding another highly rated United academy prospect, JJ Gabriel, who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford.

Ajayi, however, has chosen to continue his development with the Red Devils, hence the decision to sign a long-term contract that will keep him in Manchester for the foreseeable future.

In youth we trust.

Noah Ajayi has committed his future to United by signing a long-term professional contract ✍️🔴

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 25, 2026

Good things come to those who work.

Noah Ajayi commits to United 💪🔴 pic.twitter.com/xM14cyiz29

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 25, 2026

Can Noah Ajayi Play For Super Eagles?

Standing at around 6ft 2in, Ajayi is primarily a left winger but is capable of operating on either flank.

His performances have reportedly impressed United's academy staff, so a senior team debut might not be far away.

Meanwhile, while Ajayi has sorted his club future, his international future is still in the balance. The Manchester United starlet has already featured for Germany at youth level, including with the Under-19s.

He started a European Under-19 Championship qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina in March 2026. But that is still good for Nigeria, as according to FIFA rules, he can still play for the Super Eagles in future so long as he does not play for the German senior team in a competitive fixture.

However, since he has been in Europe all his life, his inclination would definitely be to represent Germany at international level. So unless he does not get a look in from the Die Mannschaft, it remains unlikely that he will switch to Nigeria.