The two Manchester clubs could do battle for the signature of a highly-regarded young midfielder.placeholder image
The two Manchester clubs could do battle for the signature of a highly-regarded young midfielder. | Getty Images
Both Manchester clubs are in the midst of forming a list of transfer targets ahead of the January window
Manchester United are reportedly set to rival local neighbours Manchester City for a highly-rated young player who is viewed to have a huge future in the game.
The two North West giants are approaching the mid-point in the season with differing targets, as City are aiming to maintain a title challenge up against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal while United target a return to the Champions League after two seasons away from Europe’s premier club competition.
The winter transfer window will open in two weeks’ time and both clubs will hope to take the opportunity to strengthen their squads in key areas ahead of the busy run-in.
Man United join rivals City in battle for Ivory Coast wonderkid
Reports by TEAMtalk state that Man United have joined rivals City in a ‘transfer saga’ for 19-year-old Trabzonspor midfielder Christ Inao Oulai.
The Red Devils are said to be making ‘significant moves’ to sign the young Ivorian, with meetings taking place between the club and the player’s representatives, and ‘talks on’ ahead of a potential move in 2026. Ruben Amorim is said to have ‘personally endorsed’ a swoop for Oulai, viewing his ‘athleticism, vision and box-to-box energy’ as a perfect long-term fit to his demanding system.
The report continues that Man City remain frontrunners for the 2006-born gem, and have identified the former SC Bastia midfielder as a ‘priority target’. They view Oulai as a future partner or successor to Rodri, while Bayern Munich are also in the race and feel that he can refresh their ageing midfield unit.
Oulai has already been compared with Man City and Ivory Coast hero Yaya Toure
Oulai has already received inevitable comparisons with Man City and Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure, who became an iconic figure in his home country and inspired the Cityzens’ early Premier League success with his all-action play and supreme ability to control the midfield and score stunning goals.
Trabzonspor wonderkid Oulai is not yet the finished article – but the early signs of his quality are clear to see, and this has been noticed by his national side as the teenager was called up to the Ivory Coast senior squad for the first time in November. He has since been named in the 26-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Already known as ‘Le Petit Yaya’ in his home neighbourhood of Yopougon, likely thanks to his youthful age and his diminutive stature, the midfielder is primed for a huge move in 2026. The 19-year-old even wears Toure’s iconic No.42 shirt, which the three-time Premier League winner wore throughout his time in Manchester.
Reports state that Trabzonspor could demand a fee upwards of €40million (£35m) for Oulai, who is tied down to a long-term contract until 2030 after only signing for the Turkish Super Lig outfit last summer.
The interest of both Manchester clubs is thought to be genuine, and a transfer battle could be set to ensue in either the January transfer window or next summer. One thing for sure is that amidst the high-profile interest and with AFCON and the World Cup on the horizon, 2026 is set to be a life-changing year for Oulai.
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