Jorthy Mokio: Midfield prodigy sparks fierce tug-of-war as Man United enter the fray | OneFootball

As they aim to restore Manchester United to their former glory, INEOS have not only targeted ready-made stars like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but also placed clear emphasis on acquiring young, exciting talents.

Deals for prospects such as Chido Obi, Ayden Heaven and Diego Leon reflect INEOS’ long-term vision for sustainable success, one built on developing future stars.

United tracking Ajax prodigy

While many have wondered who the next exciting young talent on United’s radar might be, Teamtalk have dropped a strong hint.

The reliable outlet claims that United have set their sights on 2008-born Belgian midfielder Jorthy Mokio.

Still raw but brimming with promise, the Ajax youngster has caught United’s attention.

He has yet to feature consistently for Ajax, but in his 21 senior appearances, glimpses of quality have been evident; his progressive passing, duel-winning tenacity, and ability to execute seamless transitions have all stood out.

Premier League-ready

Standing at 6ft, with a cultured left foot and the ability to rotate between central defence and midfield, Mokio is developing at one of Europe’s finest academies for producing elite talent.

Teamtalk boldly claim the 17-year-old is “built for the Premier League”, describing him as “a hybrid of Declan Rice and N’Golo Kante”.

United, keen to overhaul their midfield, are reportedly relishing the opportunity to bring him on board. But to do so, they will first need to win his red-hot transfer race.

Europe circling

Mokio’s rise has not gone unnoticed. Top European sides believe he is tailor-made for possession-based systems and are lining up to make their move.

In 2024, before joining Ajax and signing a three-year deal that tied him to the Dutch giants until 2027, both Barcelona and Bayern Munich tried to secure his signature.

Now, alongside those two, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City, and Liverpool are also reportedly closely tracking the teenage sensation.

So while United weigh up the idea of adding Mokio to their ranks, they face one fierce transfer battle to win.

Featured image Alex Bierens de Haan via Getty Images

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