Manchester United’s pursuit of Rennes forward Kader Meite appears to be at an end as he has agreed a move to Al-Hilal.
The Red Devils have been in talks with the Rennes striker’s representatives over a move for the 18-year-old.
The France Under-21 international has scored three Ligue 1 goals this season, so is yet to turn into prolific, but is seen as a player with immense potential.
The 6’4″ striker made his skilled debut at just 16 years old and has been scouted by a lot of Premier League clubs.
Nevertheless, despite this interest from the English top flight, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Meite might be heading to the Saudi Pro League.
The report on Thursday evening states that Al Hilal have agreed a fee of around €30m (£26m) with Rennes, with the striker choosing a move to Saudi Arabia despite having other options.
The deal is just not complete, with a medical still to be done, but there is just not expected to be a stumbling block.
Get your football fix
Don’t desire to miss the week’s biggest football stories? Metro’s exclusive football newsletter, In The Mixer, is your essential guide.
From the most recent transfer rumours and managerial moves to evaluation of the largest games and so much more, our experts have you ever covered.
Join here, it’s an open goal.
Al-Hilal saw a suggestion of €23m (£19.9m) rejected earlier this month, but upped their bid and have gotten their man.
Meite will join Simone Inzaghi’s team, which incorporates the likes of Darwin Nunez, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, Theo Hernandez, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Pablo Mari.
It’s a good title race in Saudi Arabia, but Al-Hilal sit top of the table ahead of Al-Ahli and Al-Qadisiyah.
There may be further excellent news for Al-Hilal as Neves looks set to remain, despite interest in attracting the midfielder back to Europe.
Again, Manchester United were linked with a move for the player, however the Portugal international is about to sign a brand new contract and stay in Saudi.
Romano reports that the 28-year-old is at the ultimate stages of talks over a brand new three-year contract, having moved from Wolves to the Riyadh side in 2023.
Neves’ current contract is attributable to expire at the tip of the season and he had been identified as a comparatively low-cost January signing for Manchester United as they give the impression of being to bolster their options in midfield.
The previous Porto player has remained within the Portugal squad since moving to the Saudi Pro League, playing nine times for his country in 2025 and is heading in the right direction to play within the World Cup this summer.
MORE: ‘I’m dissatisfied’ – Arsenal told they made big transfer mistake this January
MORE: Injury expert reveals ‘one positive’ for Patrick Dorgu as Man Utd determine substitute
MORE: Roy Keane names three ‘higher options’ than Michael Carrick as Man Utd manager