REPORT: Man United Among 6 Premier League Clubs ‘Battling’ For Kante/Rice ‘Hybrid’

Man United are one of a host of Premier League teams scouting Ajax teenager Jorthy Mokio, according to reports.

The 17-year-old has attracted attention from the traditional ‘Big Six’, including the Red Devils, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham since making his senior debut.

TEAMtalk claim Mokio is a “hybrid” of former Chelsea star N’Golo Kante and current Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, which is a very attractive combination.

Ajax only signed the Belgian from Gent on a free transfer last year, and he made 18 appearances for the Eredivisie’s first team during the 2024/25 campaign.

This season, Mokio has started one of Ajax’s first four league matches, although he was taken off at half-time during the 2-2 draw against Go Ahead Eagles last month.

Mokio is already a fully-fledged international

Despite his lack of experience, Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia gave the midfielder his first senior cap back in March. He played the final few minutes of the 3-1 defeat to Ukraine in the first leg of a Nations League playoff.

Mokio did not get off the bench in the second game, and he was left out of the squad entirely for the World Cup qualifiers in June and September.

The youngster has been playing for Belgium’s Under 21s, coming off the bench for last 20 minutes of the 1-1 draw against Belarus on Thursday last week.

Man United want to strengthen their midfield

TEAMtalk‘s claim that the Red Devils are “battling” for Mokio’s services is not a surprise. Ruben Amorim needs legs in the middle of the park, and a Kante/Rice ‘hybrid’ would be the perfect fit.

However, there are legitimate concerns about his inexperience. He has played just 43 senior matches in total, with 18 of those being played in the Dutch second tier with Ajax’s Under 21s.

As we have seen with Patrick Dorgu, thrusting a young player into United’s first team is not without its drawbacks. The Dane has really struggled since arriving from Lecce last January. Would United be making the same mistake with Mokio by signing him before he’s ready?

Read more about the Manchester United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here