Sevenfold Offer, One Big Question: Will Meite Move to Al Hilal?
24 January 2026
Transfer Update
Al Hilal is close to failing to sign Rennes young French striker Meite during the current winter window, hampered by the Premier League's pull and the competition from England's top clubs.
The club has entered talks with Rennes this January in a bid to sign the 18-year-old Meite, bolstering the squad for the second half of the season.
Reliable insider Sam Le, a journalist at The Athletic, told the show Al Marmo on Al Arabiya that Hilal offered Rennes 40 million dollars to release the 18-year-old.
Even though Hilal's bid is about seven times higher than Crystal Palace's, Palace appears likelier to land the teen due to the allure of the Premier League.
Sam Le added Rennes does not want to part with Meite immediately, but is attempting to renew his contract and sell him later.
If Rennes cannot renew, they will have to sell him in the near future.
The 18-year-old has appeared for Rennes 18 times this season, scoring three goals and adding two assists.
Location note: If the move goes through, we may witness a rare jump from Ligue 1 to the Gulf in a single window call it a transfer comet.
What Comes Next
If the move goes through, we may witness a rare jump from Ligue 1 to the Gulf in a single window call it a transfer comet.
Punchline: If transfers paid in laughter, Meite's fee would still be worth the ticket.
Another punchline: EPL or not, the hype will follow him to the pitch.
