Manchester United to miss out on transfer target as teenager chooses Saudi move
Manchester United’s pursuit of Rennes forward Kader Meite appears to be at an end as he has agreed a move to Al-Hilal.
The Red Devils have been in talks with the Rennes striker’s representatives over a move for the 18-year-old.
The France Under-21 international has scored three Ligue 1 goals this season, so is yet to become prolific, but is seen as a player with immense potential.
The 6’4″ striker made his professional debut at just 16 years old and has been scouted by a number of Premier League clubs.
However, despite this interest from the English top flight, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Meite will be heading to the Saudi Pro League.
The report on Thursday evening states that Al Hilal have agreed a fee of around €30m (£26m) with Rennes, with the striker opting for a move to Saudi Arabia despite having other options.
The deal is not complete, with a medical still to be done, but there is not expected to be a stumbling block.
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Al-Hilal saw an offer of €23m (£19.9m) rejected earlier this month, but upped their bid and have got their man.
Meite will join Simone Inzaghi’s team, which includes the likes of Darwin Nunez, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, Theo Hernandez, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Pablo Mari.
It is a tight title race in Saudi Arabia, but Al-Hilal sit top of the table ahead of Al-Ahli and Al-Qadisiyah.
There is further good news for Al-Hilal as Neves looks set to stay, despite interest in attracting the midfielder back to Europe.
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Again, Manchester United were linked with a move for the player, but the Portugal international is set to sign a new contract and stay in Saudi.
Romano reports that the 28-year-old is at the final stages of talks over a new three-year contract, having moved from Wolves to the Riyadh side in 2023.
Neves’ current contract is due to expire at the end of the season and he had been identified as a relatively cheap January signing for Manchester United as they look to bolster their options in midfield.
The former Porto player has remained in the Portugal squad since moving to the Saudi Pro League, playing nine times for his country in 2025 and is on course to play in the World Cup this summer.
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Article source: https://metro.co.uk/2026/01/29/manchester-united-miss-transfer-target-teenager-chooses-saudi-move-26594727/