Manchester United have lost out to Al Hilal in the pursuit of Rennes striker Mohamed Kader Meite.
Man United have been monitoring the 18-year-old Frenchman for a while and Sky Sports reported yesterday that the Red Devils could look to sign him if they sell Joshua Zirkzee.
It was clarified that the Old Trafford club are unlikely to move for Meite this window as things stand, but Zirkzee leaving before the deadline next Monday could change their stance.
Man United will not be signing the Rennes starlet as there is an agreement in place for him to join Al Hilal in a €30 million deal, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian journalist claimed Meite is set to have his medical ahead of a move to the Saudi Pro League club.
🚨🔵 Kader Meïté to Al Hilal, here we go! Agreement in place with Rennes and also player side right now.
Fee around €30m, 18 year old talent picks Al Hilal and Simone Inzaghi’s project seen as ideal step despite approaches from Premier League clubs.
Meïté set for medical next. pic.twitter.com/kMV72bticq
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 29, 2026
Man United will have to look elsewhere should they need striking reinforcement in the coming days.
They will only consider potential sales if they receive a significant bid for Zirkzee, and it remains to be seen whether that will happen before the deadline.
Man United head coach Micheal Carrick deployed Bryan Mbeumo as his number 9 in the wins over Manchester City and Arsenal and would likely hold on to his winning formula going forward.
The Red Devils boss could get the job permanently at the end of the season if he manages to impress the board in the coming weeks.
A new striker could be a top transfer target for the club in the summer, and qualifying for the Champions League will boost their chances of attracting some of the best goalscorers in Europe.
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