Mohamed Meite transfer fee revealed amid Manchester United interest

Manchester United’s recruitment drive continues to stretch across Europe as the club quietly assess emerging talent capable of fitting into a long-term rebuild.

With the winter window entering its decisive phase, Old Trafford decision-makers are keeping a close eye on markets where value and upside still exist.

United’s recent focus on younger profiles has been deliberate, aimed at securing players before prices spiral beyond reach.

Ligue 1, long viewed as fertile ground for developing attackers, has once again emerged as a key hunting zone.

And one name, in particular, has begun to surface more frequently behind the scenes.

Those early checks have now turned into something more concrete, with Manchester United emerging as a genuine option for a highly-rated Stade Rennais forward.

According to Ouest-France, the Red Devils are monitoring the situation of Mohamed Meite as the window edges towards its conclusion.

The 18-year-old attacker has been steadily building his reputation in France, and United are understood to be weighing up whether a late move makes strategic sense.

Mohamed Meite joined Rennes’ academy on a free deal in 2022 and progressed rapidly through the youth ranks before breaking into the senior squad in 2024.

Since making that step up, the France Under-21 international has accumulated 1,159 minutes across 32 appearances, registering five goals and two assists overall.

Notably, three of those goals and both assists have come this season, underlining his growing influence despite his age.

United’s interest is not isolated.

Foot Mercato recently reported that the Premier League giants are “waiting in ambush” should circumstances align, while Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are also tracking the teenager closely.

Ouest-France confirm that both clubs are firmly in the picture, with Rennes aware that Meïté’s situation could shift quickly if the right proposal lands.

Crucially, the financial aspect is at the heart of this developing story.

Rennes are not actively looking to sell, especially after completing the signing of Sebastian Szymanski from Fenerbahce last week, a move that has eased their need for additional attacking reinforcements.

However, the French outlet reports that the club could reconsider their stance if one of their existing attackers departs late in the window.

That is where Manchester United’s interest becomes particularly relevant.

Rennes are said to be open to discussions only if an offer in excess of £25 million (€30 million) arrives.

With Meite under contract until 2028 and currently valued by Transfermarkt at £8.5 million (€10 million), such a fee would represent a significant premium, reflecting both his potential and the leverage Rennes hold.

For United, the decision now centres on whether Meite is worth meeting that valuation in January or if patience until the summer would be the wiser play.