Rennes rejects Al-Hilal's offer of 26 million euros to sign Mohamed Kader Meite
Reliable French press reports revealed that the management of Stade Rennais FC rejected the official offer submitted by Al-Hilal Saudi Club to acquire the services of the young striker and rising talent Mohamed Kader Meiti during the current winter transfer window, in a move that confirms the French club’s commitment to its young stars.
Details of the large financial offer
According to the renowned French newspaper L'Équipe, Al-Hilal spared no effort in trying to finalize the deal early, submitting a tempting financial offer totaling €26 million. Specifically, the offer included a fixed transfer fee of €23 million for the 18-year-old player, plus €3 million in performance-related bonuses and incentives. However, this offer was rejected by the French side.
Al-Hilal's determination and ongoing negotiations
Despite the initial rejection, sources indicate that Al-Hilal refuses to give up. A new round of negotiations is expected in the coming days, as the Saudi club's management seeks to bolster the squad with young talent to ensure continued competitiveness for domestic and continental titles, especially given the important commitments awaiting the team in the Roshan League and the AFC Champions League.
Promising numbers for the Ivorian talent
Mohamed Kader Meite has been delivering impressive performances with Stade Rennais this season, having played 19 matches for the team in various competitions, during which he managed to score three goals and provide two assists, making him a target for scouts from major clubs.
General context: A strategy for attracting young talent
Al-Hilal's interest in signing Mete cannot be separated from the strategic shift recently witnessed in the Saudi Professional League. After a phase of attracting big-name international stars, Saudi clubs, supported by a talent acquisition program, have begun focusing on signing young talents (under 21) from Europe's top five leagues. This strategy aims to build a solid foundation for the future and increase the league's market value in the long term, which explains the willingness to pay significant sums for players who are barely 20 years old.
Rennes... a star factory and a tough negotiator
On the other hand, Stade Rennais is known as one of the most prominent "talent factories" in France and Europe, having produced academy graduates and players who have become stars of world football. Historically, the French club's management has excelled at selling players to maximize profits, capitalizing on the rising market value of its talents. Meite is under a long-term contract with the club until June 30, 2028, giving Rennes significant negotiating power. His current market value is estimated at around €10 million according to Transfermarkt, but the club aims for a figure that reflects the player's future potential.
