Rennes striker Mohamed Kader Meïté is on Tottenham’s transfer

The transfer source on The Boy Hotspur’s Substack understands that Rennes striker Mohamed Kader Meïté (commonly known as Kader Meïté), just 18 years old and holding both French and Ivorian nationality, has become one of the hottest names on the Premier League radar this winter.

Brighton, Chelsea, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Brentford have all sent scouts to watch him in recent weeks, but Crystal Palace are the club making the most concrete move, having lodged an enquiry earlier this month.

The biggest bid so far has come from Saudi Arabia, with Al-Hilal putting €40 million on the table. However, sources close to the player suggest he is not convinced that a switch to the Middle East fits his career path right now. Despite the growing interest, Meïté believes a summer move is the more realistic scenario.

That stance could prevent Premier League clubs from getting caught up in a bidding war in January. Palace’s early approach looks more like groundwork for a structured summer offer, with the club viewing Meïté as a long-term project rather than a short-term fix.

Manchester United are also tracking the teenager closely, but at this stage, there is no confirmed bid from Old Trafford. Meïté’s preference for a summer transfer aligns with the timing when Premier League sides will have clearer budgets and squad plans, opening up a wider market and more balanced negotiations.

With his contract at Rennes running until June 2028 and his steady Ligue 1 form, the French club appear more inclined to wait for the summer window rather than rushing into a January sale.