Al-Hilal officially sign striker linked to Manchester United

Manchester United’s long-term recruitment strategy has been heavily focused on emerging European talent, particularly players who can be developed into first-team regulars rather than instant superstars.

With financial sustainability now central to decision-making at Old Trafford, the club’s scouting department has intensified its work across France, where several teenage prospects have been closely monitored this season.

The Premier League side have also been keeping a close eye on how Saudi clubs are increasingly stepping into the European talent market, snapping up players at an age where they would traditionally move within Europe.

This growing influence has already altered transfer plans for a number of top clubs, with United privately acknowledging that competition is no longer limited to rivals in England or the continent.

That reality has been underlined once again by a deal that has now been finalised in the Middle East.

Al-Hilal have officially secured the signing of highly rated French striker Mohamed Kader Meite, agreeing a three-and-a-half-year contract to bring the 18-year-old to Saudi Arabia from Stade Rennais, as they announced on their website.

The teenage forward has been regarded as one of the standout young attacking prospects in France, having risen steadily through Rennes’ youth system before earning opportunities with the senior side.

Meite’s development at club level has been matched on the international stage, where he has represented France across multiple age groups, including U16, U17, U19 and U21 level, marking him out as a player long tipped for a major European breakthrough.

Instead, his next step will come in the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal continuing their aggressive push to blend established stars with elite young talent.

From a Manchester United perspective, the move is notable because Kader Meite had been on the club’s radar as part of their wider focus on young forwards with physical presence and long-term upside.

United scouts had tracked his progress in France, viewing him as a potential future option rather than an immediate first-team solution, especially with the club planning ahead for life beyond their current attacking options.

Ultimately, United were unwilling to be drawn into a race that moved quickly and decisively in Al-Hilal’s favour, both financially and in terms of project presentation.

The Saudi club have made no secret of their ambition to dominate domestically and compete internationally, and Meite is seen as an investment for both the present and the future.