“Here we go”: Fabrizio Romano confirms French man-mountain pursued by United is on the move

Manchester United look set to miss out on talented Rennes striker Mohamed Kader Meite. The Red Devils are entering exciting times, with Michael Carrick’s arrival at Old Trafford instantly improving the results as well as the mood among fans. While the focus remains on securing a top-four finish and qualifying for next season’s Champions League, the Premier League giants are also preparing to replenish the squad with fresh talent. Although United invested heavily in the attack last summer, they remain on the hunt for exciting young talent who could become world-beaters in a few years. INEOS’ revamped transfer strategy has placed added emphasis on signing emerging youngsters and turning them into world-class talents. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person has stated that Meite’s impressive rise in Ligue 1 has caught the imagination of the Old Trafford hierarchy. Who is Kader Meite? Meite spent time in the academies of various French clubs in and around Paris before finally joining Rennes’ youth ranks in 2022. He broke into the senior side in 2024 and has already registered 32 appearances for the first team. The 18 year old already stands at 6’4” and has a commanding presence in the box. Meite is a traditional No. 9, a physical striker who is capable of holding the ball and likes to stay in the penalty box. He has already displayed impressive finishing abilities for his age and is quite fast despite his tall frame. This season, the Frenchman has registered three goals and two assists in 19 appearances across competitions. Kader Meite Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Ligue 117632–530′ Coupe de France21—-85′ Total19732–615′ Source: Transfermarkt. The player’s efforts have already turned heads at United, who are keeping their options open amid the uncertainties surrounding the future of Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman has struggled for chances this season, and his situation has not improved following Carrick’s arrival either. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the Red Devils will only move for Meite if Zirkzee ends up leaving, while alternative reports have suggested that the Premier League giants’ interest in the Frenchman has been exaggerated. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal have been mentioned as a possible destination for the teenager, and it now appears that the Saudi club have won the race for his signature. Meite on his way to the Middle East According to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano, Meite has already agreed to join Al-Hilal this month. There is also an agreement in place between the two clubs, with the Frenchman deciding to move to the Middle East despite interest from the Premier League. Romano adds that the Saudi club will pay €30 million for the teenage striker, who is set to have his medical soon. Final Thoughts United already have the talented Chido Obi knocking at the senior team’s door, so they are unlikely to lose their head about missing out on Meite. With Benjamin Sesko expected to make the No. 9 position his own in the coming years, the Premier League giants would be better advised to sign an experienced striker to complement the Slovenian and help him flourish. 🚨🔵 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 Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.