Premier League Giants Circle Rennes Academy Graduate After Failed Summer Pursuit
Manchester United and Arsenal both made contact this summer in an attempt to sign Al-Hilal forward Mohamed Kader Meite, according to TEAMtalk.
The 18-year-old’s football journey began at CA Paris 14, before stops at Paris Alesia FC, US Villejuif and Montrouge FC 92 shaped his early development. Stade Rennais snapped him up at 14, and he made his senior bow just a couple of years later.
Meite spent last season as a squad option at Rennes but still managed five goal contributions from six Ligue 1 starts — enough to catch Al-Hilal’s eye. The Saudi club moved for him in the winter window, though he’s largely been used sparingly by Simone Inzaghi since.
From Middle East Move to Premier League Return?
United had actually tried to land Meite before his Al-Hilal switch, but he opted for Saudi Arabia instead. Now, though, whispers suggest he’s already eyeing a route back to Europe, with representatives quietly testing the market this summer.
Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Tottenham were all given the chance to make a move — but Al-Hilal held firm and blocked any departure.
The Chase Continues
United haven’t given up. Despite missing out previously, they stayed in dialogue over a deal throughout the window. With Meite tied to a contract until 2029 and valued at roughly £15m by Transfermarkt, Al-Hilal are in no hurry to cash in.
United currently rely on Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee up top, though Zirkzee has fallen out of favour, with Cunha and Mbeumo often preferred centrally. Arsenal, meanwhile, lost Gabriel Jesus to Barcelona on deadline day, leaving Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres as their frontline options.
Standing at 6ft 4in, Meite looks a long-term project worth monitoring — for either club.