RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Al-Hilal Saudi Club officially announced the signing of 18-year-old French striker Mohamed Kader Meïté on Sunday evening, February 1, finalized in a ceremony featuring Club President Prince Nawaf bin Saad.
The acquisition from Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais was completed for a reported fee of €30 million (SAR 122 million), with an additional €3 million in potential bonuses. Meïté has committed to a three-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him at the Riyadh-based club through the summer of 2029. The young forward, a standout for the France U21 national team, opted for the Saudi Pro League leaders despite significant late interest from English Premier League side Manchester United.
During the signing ceremony, Prince Nawaf bin Saad, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Hilal Club Company, expressed that the deal aligns with the club’s strategic vision to integrate elite global youth talent into the first-team squad. Meïté arrives in Riyadh after making 32 senior appearances for Rennes, where he recorded five goals and two assists.
Standing at 1.92m, the physical centre-forward is expected to join the squad immediately under the direction of head coach Simone Inzaghi. According to official club statements, Meïté passed his medical examinations in Riyadh early Sunday morning before the formal presentation at the club’s headquarters.
The signing marks a major milestone in Al-Hilal’s winter transfer window, following the recent acquisitions of Rayan Al-Dosari and Murad Hawsawi. Meïté is expected to be eligible for selection in Al-Hilal’s upcoming league fixtures as the club looks to extend its lead at the top of the Roshn Saudi League standings.