""It is notable because Manchester United were reportedly linked before Al-Hilal's huge bid got the deal done," Football Transfers' Paul MacDonald told BBC Sport. "It also solidifies the Saudis' statement of intent. They are going to go big on young talent this summer and Meite's purchase is the first domino to fall.""
""He is a wonderful talent," said French football expert Julien Laurens. "It is a bit of a shame that he has gone to Saudi Arabia, but the money they offered was good for him. "I don't think he will stay there for long - he will end up in the Premier League at some point. "Maybe a few English clubs thought 'Let's see how he does in another environment before we bring him to the Premier League' - but he does have huge potential.""
Al-Hilal completed the transfer of 18-year-old French striker Mohamed Kader Meite from Rennes for a reported €30m on a three-and-a-half-year contract. The fee made him the second-highest non-Premier League signing of the transfer window. Meite had attracted reported interest from several Premier League clubs before the move. Meite is French-born of Ivorian descent and advanced through Rennes' youth system, signing his first professional contract in November 2024. He made his senior debut soon after and recorded 32 appearances, five goals and two assists for Rennes. He has represented France at four youth levels and is described as a modern number nine: strong, quick, hungry and good on the ball. The transfer underscores Saudi clubs' strategy of investing heavily in young talent.
Read at www.bbc.com
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