Soualiho Meite’s ambition cannot be doubted, which could makes things tricky for Crystal Palace, Hull City and Sunderland. All three clubs are keen on the player, and in February it was reported in Belgium that Meite turned Crystal Palace and Sunderland down because he has aspirations of signing for a club like Manchester United.
Hull City were also interested, but seeing as the KCOM isn’t as appealing as Old Trafford for Meite, that also looked a no-go.
There was brighter news for the three Premier League clubs last week from Belgium, with Meite impressing over the season but not quite at a level to justify his aims. However, he hasn’t let that dampen his ambitions.
Former Belgium manager Marc Wilmots is currently trying to recruit players for the Ivory Coast, who he’s now in charge of, and has had success recently with the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Seko Fofana and Maxwell Cornet.
Wilmots didn’t have such luck with Meite, who still wants to represent the country of his birth. Het Belang Van Limburg quote the player as saying: “Within my ambitions, sitting next to a transfer to a top club, is also the French national team. I am convinced that there are opportunities in my position.”
The defensive midfielder would face strong competition for the role with France, and at many top clubs. Regardless, Meite is aiming high, and that leaves Crystal Palace, Hull City and Sunderland with the only option of waiting to see if he gets his dream, and then swooping if he doesn’t.
Currently on loan at Zulte Waregem, the Belgian side will share transfer proceeds with the player’s parent club Lille.