RIYADH: Al-Hilal completed the signing of teenage striker Mohamed Kader Meite from Rennes for a reported 30 million euros ($35.3 million), with the 18-year-old making his Saudi Pro League debut in Monday’s 0-0 draw against Al-Ahli.
Meite has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Riyadh club following interest from several Premier League sides. The deal makes him the second-highest non-Premier League signing of the winter transfer window.
The French-born forward, who is of Ivorian descent, came through Rennes’ youth system before breaking into the first team and signing his first professional contract in November 2024.
He went on to make 32 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, scoring five goals and providing two assists, while also representing France across four youth levels.
Meite was introduced in the second half against Al-Ahli, replacing Darwin Nunez, as Al-Hilal collected a third successive league draw.
FootballTransfers’ Paul Macdonald told BBC Sport the move underlined Saudi clubs’ growing focus on young talent, while French football expert Julien Laurens described Meite as a “modern number nine” with “huge potential.”
Laurens added that the striker is “strong, quick, hungry and good on the ball,” and predicted he could eventually move to the Premier League.
