Manchester United have been linked to Konstantinos Karetsas over the past 12 months. He is becoming a difficult player to ignore.
Red Devils head of recruitment Christopher Vivell has a reputation for targeting top young players from around the world. He should be all over Konstantinos Karetsas.
Karetsas was born in Belgium and represented them at youth level, before switching to represent Greece at senior level. He already has three goals in nine games for his country.
But it is his club form for Belgian side Genk that is really standing out.
Karetsas has provided a staggering 18 assists already this season, scoring three goals too. And he is only 18-years-old.
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Manchester United following Konstantinos Karetsas
Manchester United are aware of Konstantinos Karetsas, with reports linking the whizkid over the past 12 months.
United sent scouts to watch Karetsas in action in 2025, Graeme Bailey reported. United saw him net for Greece against Scotland, becoming his country’s youngest ever goalscorer at just 17.
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Caught Offside reported at the end of the year that United are closely watching developments with Karetsas, amid interest from Premier League competitors.
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What has been said about Konstantinos Karetsas
After Karetsas was named as the most valuable player in Belgium in 2025 by the CIES Observatory, Genk published a statement on their website to congratulate the youngster.
“That recognition comes as no surprise. The young Genk player combines outstanding technical ability with maturity, game intelligence and personality, while also posting impressive numbers.
“Within the club, the dominant feeling is one of pride. Pride in a player who works hard every day to improve. Pride in a homegrown talent who has developed into a genuine game-changer.”
His manager at Genk Nicky Hayen recently told Voetbal Nieuws: “He comes into his own more when he is allowed to roam all over the field: his passes are fantastic and he sees spaces that no one else sees. He just had to find the balance between his genius and playing simple football.
Admitting that he is destined for a bigger stage, he added: “Kos is a natural talent: as long as he is here, we must cherish him.”
Scotland international Craig Gordon praised him after playing against him in 2025, quoted by BBC Sport: “He looked fantastic when he came on. I haven’t seen many debuts like that from someone so young. It was an impressive first cap for him.”
A possible Bruno Fernandes successor
Manchester United have big priorities to try and sign two central midfield players in 2026. Replacing Bruno Fernandes won’t be a top priority.
But when an elite playmaker like Konstantinos Karetsas comes along and posts the kind of numbers he is producing, it is tough to ignore him.
Karetsas could be an outstanding signing for United, and the club could even try to loan him back to Genk for an extra season if it helps to sway the deal.
Fernandes, 31, is posting incredible assist numbers this season, attempting to set a Premier League record. Eventually he will have to hand over to a successor, whether that is next summer, or even later.
Karetsas could be a once in a generation type player that United cannot afford to miss, and so long as the deeper midfield positions are addressed adequately, splashing out to acquire the Greek wonderkid would be money well spent.
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