Quad-National Midfielder Zac Shuaib Set to Leave Arsenal

Zac Shuaib, an 18 year old midfielder eligible to represent Nigeria, England, Spain, and India, is expected to depart Arsenal at the end of the 2024–2025 season. According to reports from Arsenal youth team insider Jeorge Bird, Shuaib has not been offered a professional contract by the North London club. His limited involvement with Arsenal’s youth setup this season, with just five appearances in the U18 Premier League, hinted at an uncertain future.

Shuaib’s eligibility for four national teams is a result of his diverse heritage his father is Nigerian-English, while his mother is of Spanish and Indian descent. Signs of his departure surfaced when Arsenal permitted him to train with Brighton &amp Hove Albion’s youth team in March 2025, and he later appeared as a trialist for Real Sociedad’s U18 team in Spain. His football journey began at Chiswick Youth before moving through various clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, before landing at Arsenal’s Hale End Academy in 2022.

Shuaib is not the only young Nigerian player facing an uncertain future at Arsenal, as fellow academy forward Daniel Oyetunde might also exit if new terms are not reached before the season concludes.

Editorial

The case of Zac Shuaib serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of academy football at top European clubs. Despite his eligibility for four national teams, Shuaib finds himself on the brink of departure from Arsenal without a professional contract. His journey from grassroots clubs to Arsenal’s prestigious Hale End Academy is a testament to his talent, but it also highlights the harsh realities young players face when clubs decide their futures.

We believe Shuaib’s diverse heritage presents unique opportunities. Being eligible for four different nations offers him the flexibility to explore multiple pathways to international football. His brief training stints with Brighton and Real Sociedad indicate that his talent is recognised beyond England, hinting at potential suitors ready to invest in his development. For Shuaib, this moment could be a turning point a chance to find a club that values his abilities and is willing to give him the game time he needs to flourish.

As he explores options abroad, his experience at Real Sociedad could serve as a gateway to Spanish football, where technical ability is highly prized. Whether he continues in England or moves to Spain, Shuaib’s next step will be crucial in defining his professional career. His story is far from over, and with the right opportunity, it may only just be beginning.

Did You Know?

1. Zac Shuaib is eligible to represent four different national teams: Nigeria, England, Spain, and India.
2. He began his football journey at Chiswick Youth before moving to Hanwell FC, Focus Football, London Colney Colts, and Tottenham Hotspur.
3. Shuaib joined Arsenal’s Hale End Academy in March 2022 but struggled for game time, making just five appearances for the U18s this season.
4. He trained with Brighton & Hove Albion’s youth team in March 2025, indicating Arsenal had already begun planning his exit.
5. Shuaib trialed with Real Sociedad’s U18 team in the MIC Football tournament, suggesting a move to Spain could be on the horizon.