Arsenal prospect Daniel Oyetunde has left the club to start his senior career in the United States. The 19-year-old forward has signed permanently with USL League One side Fort Wayne FC, seeing the move as the perfect next step in his development. After joining Arsenal in 2021 and signing his first professional contract in July 2025, Oyetunde felt it was time to take on a new challenge in men’s football.
During his time at Arsenal, Oyetunde played across the under-18, under-19, and under-21 teams, making a total of 31 appearances. He also had a short loan spell at St Albans City in the Isthmian League Premier Division, where he scored within one minute of his league debut and gained valuable senior-level experience.
Now, with his transfer to Fort Wayne FC, Oyetunde is preparing to make his mark in US professional football. The move is pending league and federation approval, but the forward is excited to embrace life both on and off the pitch in a new country.
A Fresh Start Away from England
Arsenal confirmed Oyetunde’s permanent exit, marking a new step in his career. At just 19, he is ready to leave the academy environment for senior football, joining Fort Wayne FC ahead of their first professional match against FC Naples in Florida. His move reflects a growing trend of young English players seeking opportunities abroad to accelerate their development.
Oyetunde expressed excitement about the challenge, emphasizing that Fort Wayne is the “right next step” for his career. He looks forward to testing himself in a men’s league while contributing to an exciting new project with the American club.
Choosing to step away from England’s spotlight shows Oyetunde’s ambition to grow as a player and gain real match experience. By playing regularly in a competitive environment, he hopes to build a foundation for future success, whether in the US or back in Europe.
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Fort Wayne Boss Confident in Oyetunde
Fort Wayne head coach Mike Avery praised the forward, highlighting Oyetunde’s potential to make an impact at senior level. He noted that the young player brings speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability, especially on the wings. Avery emphasized that Oyetunde’s experience at Arsenal’s Hale End academy gives him a strong foundation for professional growth.
The coach also mentioned that Oyetunde’s best years are ahead of him. He sees the upcoming season as a key period for the forward to refine his skills, adapt to senior football, and make a lasting impression in the USL League One.
Avery’s confidence signals that Fort Wayne FC plans to invest in Oyetunde as a central part of their attacking strategy. With the club building a strong squad ahead of its first professional season, Oyetunde is expected to be an exciting addition for fans to follow.
Following the Hale End Legacy
Oyetunde is the latest graduate of Arsenal’s famous Hale End academy to launch a professional career, following in the footsteps of stars like Bukayo Saka, Cesc Fabregas, and Tony Adams. More recent graduates, including Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, have also begun carving paths in senior football.
Rather than staying in England, Oyetunde has chosen a bold, unorthodox route by moving to the US. This decision highlights his determination to develop through consistent game time and challenging himself outside of familiar surroundings.
Arsenal’s website thanked Oyetunde for his contribution and wished him well in the next stage of his career. While the path to Arsenal’s first team remains highly competitive, this move offers Oyetunde a chance to grow, gain experience, and potentially return to Europe stronger in the future. If you want to know about other interesting football news developments, you can visit the link here. footballcoasters.co.uk.