A new arrival at Arsenal of England, Habeeb Omotolani Oluwatoyin Ogunneye has revealed that he is already enjoying a ‘family atmosphere’ at The Gunners, as he has some relatives in the city, who he can now easily link up with regularly.
Sports247 reports that the Nigerian-born defender, who previously played for Manchester United and Newport County, as well as England’s under-17 team, has joined Arsenal in a permanent deal, following experience gained with The Red Devils’ youth squads.
The 20-year-old right-back spent last season on loan at Newport and gained 21 appearances for the League Two club, but he now leaves Old Trafford officially to continue his development at Arsenal, with United wishing their academy graduate well for the future.
He debuted for United’s under-18s during the 2021-22 season, then featured in the Premier League 2, EFL Trophy, UEFA Youth League and FA Youth Cup, while also enjoying several first-team squad selections under former coach, Erik ten Hag.
Born in Hackney, Ogunneye confessed that he always felt like returning to north London, whre he is now happy to join The Gunners, especially with the array of academy players who have progressed to the first team and their English Premier League title triumph last season.
Ogunneye said, “I’ve got family who live in Hackney, so it’s literally a full-circle moment. It’s fantastic. It feels great to be here. It’s such a big club. Seeing all the young players that are coming through as well.
“So, I just wanted to come straight away. 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.”
Sports247 gathered further that Ogunneye, who was born on Novermber 12th, 2005, is still eligible to play for Nigeria at senior level, although he previously had three appearances for England’s under-17 team between 2021 and 2022.
He had a formal offer from Nigeria in 2024, but England’s under-21 team’s coach, Lee Carsley has identified him as a ‘possible future star,’ who should maintain his future senior international allegiance and commitment to The Three Lions.
