Mega Bid Targets Rennes’ 18-Year-Old Dynamo: Will Meite Move to Al Hilal?

Overview

Mohamed Kadyr Meite, an 18-year-old forward for Rennes, has captured the attention of a heavyweight Saudi club with a colossal winter bid. Al Hilal is reported to have offered around 40 million euros to secure the teenager’s services, a figure that would mark a landmark transfer in his short career so far.

Meite, who joined Rennes’ academy and made his first-team debut in 2024, is a French player with Ivorians roots and a rising reputation in Ligue 1 and domestic cup competitions.

Player profile and current standing

The youngster was born on October 11, 2007, and has progressed through Rennes’ ranks, earning a place in the senior squad last season. His market value is cited at roughly 10 million euros in this stage of his development.

In the present campaign, he has tallied 3 goals and 2 assists in 17 appearances across league and cup fixtures. Since his promotion, Meite has appeared in 30 matches for Rennes, contributing 5 goals and 2 assists in total.

The talk of a move has Meite weighing his options, with options and risks pulled in both directions—the lure of a high-profile challenge vs. potential development in France.

What’s next

Any deal would require agreement between Rennes and Al Hilal, along with regulatory clearance common to cross-border transfers. The teenager’s decision could shape the remainder of the winter window for both clubs.

Humor break: Should Meite sign, he’ll finally have a footballing excuse for why his transfer fee took so long—“I was busy negotiating with my bank account.”

Punchline 2: If patience is a virtue, Meite is earning a PhD—the course fees just happen to be paid in euros.