Al-Hilal officially finalizes the signing of Mohamed Kader Mete
Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal club announced the completion of the transfer of young French midfielder Mohamed Kader Meïté from Stade Rennais, a strategic move to bolster the team's ranks with a promising talent. Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, a specialist in player transfer news, confirmed that all parties reached a final agreement, thus ending speculation about the player's future, who had been the target of several major European clubs.
According to Romano, the deal was completed for a fee of approximately €30 million, reflecting the high technical value of the 18-year-old player. Romano stated on his X platform account that "Kader Meite's transfer to Al-Hilal has been officially finalized after an agreement was reached with Rennes and the player himself." He added that Al-Hilal's ambitious sporting project was a decisive factor in the player's decision, despite strong offers from Premier League clubs. Meite is scheduled to undergo a medical examination soon before the official announcement from the club.
Background and context of the deal in the transfer market
This transfer comes amidst a significant transformation in the Saudi Professional League, which is no longer solely focused on attracting veteran stars at the end of their careers, but has become a magnet for the world's most promising young talents. The Mete deal is a clear testament to the financial strength and competitiveness of Saudi clubs, particularly Al-Hilal, which aims to build a strong team for the future, not just for current competition. Stade Rennais, one of Europe's premier talent development centers, having produced stars like Ousmane Dembélé and Eduardo Camavinga, adds further value to this transfer and confirms that Al-Hilal has invested in a player with immense potential for growth.
Strategic importance and expected impact of the deal
Domestically, the signing of Mohamed Kader Meiti strengthens Al Hilal's midfield, providing the team with a young and dynamic option capable of developing into a key player in the future. Regionally and internationally, this deal sends a strong message from the Saudi Pro League that it can compete with major European leagues, including the English Premier League, in the race to sign rising talent. The selection of a promising young player for Al Hilal's project, over prestigious English clubs, demonstrates the appeal of the Saudi sports project and its ability to convince the new generation of players that moving to the Kingdom is an ideal step in their careers. This could pave the way for similar deals in the future and further solidify the Saudi Pro League's position as a global football powerhouse.
