Zidane Iqbal still has the chance to make it at Manchester United - even though he's just left the club on a permanent basis.
The Mancunian midfielder, 20, has waved goodbye to Old Trafford and joined Dutch side Utrecht in a deal worth €1million (£850k). Iqbal failed to make a senior appearance for the Red Devils last season, manager Erik ten Hag's first campaign in the hot seat.
But United aren't giving up on their academy graduate completely, with multiple reports stating that the club have inserted a number of clauses into the deal which are a sign of Ten Hag's positive assessment of Iqbal. It's been claimed by various outlets that the Red Devils not only have a sell-on clause, entitling them to 40 per cent of a future transfer fee, but also a buyback option.
That's because while United think that the Iraq international isn't quite ready for the physicality of the Premier League, club chiefs aren't ruling out a return if he develops while in the Netherlands, according to ESPN.
Upon announcing the move, Utrecht technical director Jordy Zuidam raved about Iqbal by saying: "Zidane is a very creative midfielder, with a very good understanding of the game. He can intercept balls, uses his body well in duels and is intelligent. In addition, he can be at the beginning of an attack, thanks to his good short and long pass.
"Zidane plays with guts and has a high speed of action. With his dribbling and passing, he is able to speed up the game. We are very proud that Zidane wants to take the next step in his development at FC Utrecht."
Have your say! Will Zidane Iqbal end up back at Manchester United? Let us know your prediction in the comments section.
Iqbal's exit from Old Trafford was confirmed on Monday, although the Red Devils academy graduate had announced his imminent departure last week. "Emotions often cannot be expressed in words, however I will try my best," the 20-year-old, who signed a long-term contract with United in June 2022, wrote on social media.
"Manchester United has been my home since I was five years old. Alongside my family, this club has developed me into the person that I am today. From the Cliff to Carrington and then to the Theatre Of Dreams (OT), I have so many incredible memories of my 15 years associated with this amazing club.
"I have had the opportunity to play with so many team-mates, that I will now always call friends, and worked with coaches who always supported me in so many different ways. There are too many people to thank. Kitmen, physios, teachers, chefs, nutritionists, security staff, coaches and everyone else in between, they've all played their role in making me the player that I am today."
