Al-Hilal officially signs talented Mohamed Kader Meiti from French club Rennes

Al-Hilal officially signs talented Mohamed Kader Meiti from French club Rennes

28.01.2026
7 mins read
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal club announced that it has reached a final agreement with France’s Rennes to sign young Ivorian midfielder Mohamed Kader Meite to strengthen the team’s ranks during the winter transfer window.

Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia has reached an agreement with Rennes of France to sign Mohamed Kader Meite

Reliable French media outlets have reported that Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal has reached a final agreement with French club Rennes for the transfer of young midfielder Mohamed Kader Meïté during the current winter transfer window. According to the French network MediaFoot, all details between the two clubs have been finalized, and the Ivorian player has given his full approval to join the Asian champions, a move that underscores the appeal of the Saudi Professional League, even for young talents.

A strategic deal reflecting the future ambitions of "the leader"

This deal comes within the framework of a broader strategy pursued by Al-Hilal, which not only focuses on attracting big-name international stars but also on securing promising young talents to build a strong and sustainable team for the future. Given the revolution underway in the Saudi Professional League and its attraction of some of the biggest names in world football, Al-Hilal understands the importance of balancing experience and youth to ensure its continued dominance both domestically and continentally. Investing in young players like Mete is a smart move to strengthen the squad across different age groups, especially considering the regulations regarding the number of foreign and underage players, thus giving the team greater tactical flexibility.

Who is Mohammed Qader Meiti? The rising star of Riyadh

Mohamed Kader Meite, an Ivorian midfielder born in 2006, is a rising star who graduated from the renowned Rennes academy, one of the best in Europe for player development and a product of stars like Ousmane Dembélé and Eduardo Camavinga. Meite's technical abilities and vision on the field caught the eye of Al-Hilal scouts. Despite his young age, a move to a club of Al-Hilal's stature represents a significant challenge and an exceptional opportunity to develop his career in a highly competitive environment under the guidance of a world-class coaching staff led by manager Jorge Jesus.

The impact of the deal on Al-Hilal's squad and aspirations

Mohammed Qader Meiti is expected to be registered in Al-Hilal's squad to replace Brazilian player Caio Cesar in the under-21 category, following the latter's official departure. This change gives the team a new option in midfield and provides the coach with additional squad depth. Regionally, this transfer reinforces the image of the Saudi league as an attractive destination not only for established stars at the end of their careers but also for young talents seeking a platform to launch their careers. It also underscores the financial and strategic strength of major Saudi clubs and their ability to compete with European clubs in the emerging talent transfer market, representing a significant shift in the global football balance of power.

Go up