Christ Inao Oulai: Man United battling Bayern and City for Trabzonspor ace | OneFootball

Manchester United’s recent youth-centric transfer policy has seen them secure the services of some of the best young footballers in the world.

The Premier League giants have relied heavily on youth throughout their history and have enjoyed a great deal of success with this strategy.

Since the arrival of INEOS in 2024, significant efforts have been made to build a team for both the present as well as the future. The Red Devils have subsequently signed Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Patrick Dorgu, Sekou Kone and Diego Leon, among others.

It now appears that they have set their sights on an Ivorian starlet.

United want Christ Inao Oulai

According to TEAMtalk, United are among the clubs keeping a close eye on Trabzonspor midfielder Christ Inao Oulai. The report adds that Manchester City and Bayern Munich are in the race as well.

The Ivorian joined the Turkish club this summer, and has taken no time to settle down. He has registered one goal and two assists in nine appearances across competitions so far, all of which were starts.

Christ Inao Oulai Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

The 19 year old has already displayed maturity beyond his years, while his physicality and ability to turn defence into attack make him an enticing proposition for his suitors. The report states:

“The whispers of a potential transfer started in September. First, Man City sent their top recruiters, then Bayern Munich, and by November, Man Utd had joined the queue.”

“All three clubs, according to our sources in England, Germany and Turkey, now consider Oulai one of the highest-priority teenage targets on the continent.”

“City view him as the ideal long-term partner – or eventual successor – for Rodri. Bayern see a player ready to step into the void left by departing veterans. Man Utd, still searching for midfield identity, believe his blend of power and finesse could be the missing piece.”

United have to pay a proper fee

The report adds that Trabzonspor are under no pressure to offload their prized asset and will only do business on their own terms.

“Trabzonspor, unsurprisingly, are in no rush to sell. They tied the teenager to a contract until 2030 and are said to be holding out for a fee north of €40million (£35m / $46.5m).”

United are looking for an athletic midfielder in 2026, especially with Casemiro out of contract in six months, and Oulai’s profile makes him a superb choice for the job. The Ivorian, who has already been compared to Manchester City legend Yaya Toure, matches the Red Devils’ transfer strategy as well.

Final Thoughts

The only constraint in a possible move could be Trabzonspor’s steep asking price for the teenager. Oulai is relatively unproven at the top level of European football, and it is quite likely that he will need time to settle in the Premier League.

While United do need someone in his mould, they would be better advised to invest in the likes of Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson, who are thriving in the top tier of English football.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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