Liverpool, Spurs and United in Mix for ‘New Kante’ | OneFootball

Manchester United, Liverpool and Rivals Tracking Ajax Prodigy Jorthy Mokio

Premier League Giants Compete for Mokio

Manchester World have reported that Manchester United are set to battle for Ajax’s highly-rated teenager Jorthy Mokio as part of their long-term squad rebuild. The 17-year-old is attracting interest across Europe, with the report noting: “Competition is fierce though with Barcelona and Real Madrid joining the likes of Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in keeping tabs on the 17-year old.”

United’s manager Ruben Amorim is said to be seeking players who can grow with his team and fit into his 3-4-3 system, and Mokio appears to be a strong candidate. According to TEAMtalk, Mokio “is the perfect combination of Declan Rice and N’Golo Kante” while also being able to play as a centre-back or left-back. That level of versatility could make him invaluable for a club looking to restructure its squad.

Ajax Star’s Development Path

Mokio turned down offers from Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024, preferring Ajax’s reputation for developing young players. This decision showed a mature approach to his career, prioritising playing time over a lucrative move to a European powerhouse. That same mindset could appeal to Amorim, who is likely to offer minutes in a young and evolving United side.

Photo: IMAGO

Manchester World also highlighted that with some of United’s most expensive players departing, the dressing room environment is now “more harmonious” and focused on pulling in the same direction. A player like Mokio could thrive in that setting.

Balancing Youth and Experience

The debate over integrating youth players has been a long-standing one at Old Trafford. BBC Sport pundit Fara Williams reflected on the dilemma last season: “I am of the mindset that I also would have protected them myself as a coach. It is all well and good giving these players their debuts when you think they are ready and have got players around them to support them, when things are positive and you can integrate them into the team – that is always easier.”

United now appear to have reached a point where younger players can be introduced into a more settled squad, giving talents like Mokio a better chance of success.

European Competition for Signature

Liverpool’s interest adds another layer of intrigue, as Arne Slot continues to look for players who can enhance Liverpool’s depth and sustain their challenge for silverware. If Mokio’s price rises, it could trigger a bidding war between England’s top clubs and La Liga giants.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool supporters will view this story with keen interest. Jorthy Mokio represents exactly the type of signing that has underpinned the club’s success in recent years: young, versatile, technically adept and hungry to develop. Arne Slot has already shown that he is willing to trust younger players, and a talent like Mokio could eventually provide cover in multiple positions – a valuable asset in a squad competing across four competitions.

The competition is fierce, and Liverpool will need to act decisively if they want to secure his signature. Manchester United’s current rebuild under Amorim could be attractive to Mokio, but Liverpool can offer Champions League football and a proven environment for nurturing young stars.

Fans will see Mokio as part of the next generation of players who could keep Liverpool challenging at the top. While this is unlikely to be a cheap deal, the potential long-term value makes it an exciting possibility. The hope will be that Edwards and Richard Hughes are already positioning Liverpool at the front of the queue.