Aston Villa have been keeping tabs on the young star currently playing for Saudi Pro League side, Al Hilal.
The summer transfer window might be over, but the hunt for new players does not stop, including for Aston Villa. They have been monitoring the situation of a young star currently plying his trade in the Middle East. He is Al Hilal forward, Kader Meite.
According to a report in Sport Mole, Villa appears to be one of the potential suitors.
“It is worth noting that, Aston Villa is just one of the few Premier League outfits which have also been kept informed of Kader Meite’s situation.”
Meite joined Al Hilal back in February 2026, with the transfer fee reaching up to £25.5 million. It was a shocking move as he was still only 18 years old and had attracted interest from European sides. He was also still playing for Rennes in Ligue 1, the perfect place to develop himself.
Last summer, he was already considering a move back to Europe. Meite gained interest from Manchester United and Arsenal as the frontrunners, alongside Manchester City, Tottenham and Villa. Yet, his current side were believed not to allow him to leave, even on loan, despite the fact that The Red Devils and The Gunners were already making inquiries about him.
The transfer race is likely to restart again in January. His contract expires in the summer of 2029. It remains to be seen if Villa are still joining the race. They could do so if the performances of their strikers from Nicolas Jackson, Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo are disappointing in the first half of the season.
The Ivorian forward might have made a move to the Middle East way too soon. He left Ligue 1 after only two seasons, featuring quite regularly for Rennes’ first team. He made 32 appearances for Rennes but only registered five goals and two assists.
Meite was tipped as a promising talent. Yet now, he is struggling to become a starter in Simone Inzaghi’s side. The young striker, who has not yet earned a call-up for Ivory Coast’s senior team, has only featured in 13 games, five of which were as a starter, with only two goals to his name.
Based on data from FotMob, the Creteil-born forward’s form at Rennes last season did display promising signs. His xG was 3.50, with 22 shots, seven of which were on target. His xA was 0.59, with a 65.1% successful pass rate and five chances created.
His rate for successful dribbles was 54.5%, with 50% for winning duels and 76.9% for winning aerial duels. Meite did quite well defensively too, with 15 defensive contributions, including three tackles, one interception, one blocked shot and 10 clearances.
The former Rennes man seems to be a considerable target on paper. Villa should pursue him, but with a smart deal such as a loan with an option to buy. The Ivorian has raw talent that needs developing first to survive and thrive in the Premier League.
The post Aston Villa monitoring young star in Saudi Pro League for winter transfer appeared first on AVillaFan.com – Aston Villa Fan Site.
