Mohamed Kader Meïté is attracting interest from Man Utd and Chelsea, according to reportsplaceholder image
Mohamed Kader Meïté is attracting interest from Man Utd and Chelsea, according to reports | Getty Images/ Canva
A talented Ligue 1 wonderkid is reported to be the subject of strong transfer interest from both Manchester United and Chelsea.
CaughtOffside claims Mohamed Kader Meïté has drawn attention from both Premier League heavyweights as the race to secure a top four finish continues to intensify. Meïté is an 18-year-old striker that’s currently enjoying a strong breakout campaign with Rennes in Ligue 1. He’s also an established France Under-21 international and is described by the outlet as one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe this winter. Could Manchester United or Chelsea be the ones who sign him?
Meïté linked with Manchester United and Chelsea
Meïté has been on the books at Rennes since 2022 after playing for a variety of different youth teams in and around the Paris area as a teenager. He boasted an eye-catching record of 14 goals in 32 appearances at youth team level before being introduced into the first-team squad at the half-way stage of last season.
The teenager made 12 appearances in total in Ligue 1, starting five times and appearing as a substitute in the other seven, scoring two goals. This season, however, he’s jumped up to play even more regularly, making 19 appearances across all competitions scoring three times and making two assists. The 6’4” forward has made a very strong impression this term and is thought to be attracting interest from various clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea.
United are in need of more attacking options to compete with Benjamin Šeško, while Chelsea are almost always in the market for young talent that they can develop. Caught Offside says the only concrete interest so far has come from Saudi Arabia, with Al-Hilal reportedly tabling a €40m (£35m) bid. However, it’s reported that the player’s preference is to remain in Europe, which could play into the Premier League sides’ plans.
Meïté is attracting lots of Premier League interest
While Manchester United and Chelsea are thought to be the main contenders to sign Meïté, it’s worth noting that other clubs such as Brighton & Hove Albion, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Brentford have also been mentioned as potential suitors.
Brighton are looking for a long-term replacement to eventually succeed Danny Welbeck, who is in the twilight years of his career. Tottenham, meanwhile, want further firepower in their attack after a slow start, while Villa also want an understudy to the experienced pair of Ollie Watkins and potentially Tammy Abraham, with his move thought to be imminent.
Newcastle are yet to see the best of big-money pair Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, and could be in the market for a third forward if William Osula departs. Meanwhile, Brentford have a habit of getting their next striker in the building ahead of schedule as they’ve done in the past with Igor Thiago being signed before Wissa’s exit.
It’s still early days for Meïté, who is still learning his trade, but as it stands the hype around the teenager is growing with each passing month. Whether that results in a January move remains to be seen.
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