Promising Man Utd phenom Zidane Iqbal set to make groundbreaking move to Dutch powerhouse FC Utrecht
Zidane Iqbal, the first British South Asian player for Man Utd, is set to depart Old Trafford and join Dutch side FC Utrecht After spending over a decade at the club, the 20-year-old talent featured on the Premier League bench seven times last season This move follows Arjan Raikhy's departure from Aston Villa, highlighting the presence of British South Asians in football
Zidane Iqbal, the trailblazing talent from Manchester United, is on the verge of securing a permanent transfer to FC Utrecht, according to sources. The promising youngster, who has successfully risen through the ranks at United over the past decade, will soon sign a contract with the Eredivisie club, bidding farewell to his lengthy association with the Red Devils.
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Iqbal made history in December 2021 when he appeared in the Champions League game against Young Boys to become the first British South Asian to play for Manchester United.
The midfielder, originally from Manchester, has a mixed heritage with an Iraqi mother and Pakistani father. He made seven appearances on United's bench in the latest Premier League season. Recently celebrating his 20th birthday, Iqbal also signed a new contract with United last season.
The Iraq international appears to be on track to pursue his football career in the top division of Dutch football. His departure from Old Trafford was initially reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic. Manchester United has been contacted for a statement.
Arjan Raikhy leaves Aston Villa
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Arjan Raikhy FA Youth Cup final
Raikhy, who has attracted interest from Wolves and Leicester, recently made headlines within Britain's South Asian community when he chose to depart Aston Villa, just days before news broke of Iqbal's departure. His remarkable goal against Chelsea for Villa's U18s in November 2020 catapulted him into the spotlight.
The highly skilled midfielder showcased his talent when he made his debut for the senior first-team a mere two months after his introduction, in an exhilarating FA Cup third round match against Liverpool. This remarkable performance was hailed as "incredible" by the avid fans of Punjabi Villans, a dedicated supporters' group.
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During the next season, Raikhy continued to excel and made a significant impact by aiding in the promotion of both Stockport County and Grimsby Town back to the Football League through separate loan spells.
Despite impressing for Villa during their winter break in Dubai ahead of last year's World Cup, Raikhy has been released along with several other players ahead of the upcoming season.
