Who is Manchester United target Mohamed Kader Meite? Why fans should be excited by 'elite talent'

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Evening Standard

·28 January 2026

Who is Manchester United target Mohamed Kader Meite? Why fans should be excited by 'elite talent'

French wonderkid is viewed as one of the biggest young talents in Europe

Manchester United are considering a move to sign a replacement for Patrick Dorgu after his injury against Arsenal - and they have been linked with a £26million talent from France.

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Rennes’ striker Mohamed Kader Meite is reportedly top of United’s wish list, though they face fierce competition from other Premier League sides.

But while 18-year-old Meite might not be a household name in England, he has been turning heads since the end of last season when he made his first-team debut at Rennes.

Meite has been on United’s radar since November when he featured alongside Jeremy Jacquet and Leny Yoro for France’s Under-21s, at which point he was described as an “exciting prospect, although he is still a bit raw,” according to The Sun.

The 6ft-3in striker has made 19 appearances for Rennes, a club he has been at since 2022, scoring against both Lyon and Strasbourg this season and has continued to gain more minutes for the side.

Meite plays Rennes in France

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Because of his rapid rise in Ligue 1, Meite has become a target for many Premier League sides withTottenham, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Brentford and Newcastle all expressing an interest in the 18-year-old.

Reports also add that Saudi club Al-Hilal are also keen on a player who is valued at around £26m.

But it is United who are on the hunt for Meite, according to the Guardian, as they look for cover in attacking areas after Dorgu picked up a hamstring injury on the weekend, leaving him sidelined for a unknown length of time.

Dorgu has flourished since Michael Carrick took the helm at Old Trafford, scoring the second of United’s three goals in their 3-2 win victory against Arsenal on Sunday, and so finding a replacement for him has become a major priority for the club.

United are said to have to have made contact with Meite's representatives as they decide whether to sign a No 9 or winger.

Scouted writer Jake Entwistle described Meite as "one of the most exciting prospects in Europe" after Meite cameoed off the bench against Lyon in September, scoring one before helping to create another which secured the Rennes the victory of the now second place side.

Scout Jacek Kulig has also described the Meite as an "elite talent".