MU battles Liverpool for Premier League young talent

Liverpool and Manchester United have launched an intense race to secure the signature of the 18-year-old talent Mateus Mané, with Wolves setting a price tag of £50 million for the emerging player.

Liverpool and Manchester United are engaged in a heated contest to acquire the young talent Mateus Mané from Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer 2026 transfer window, according to Spanish media reports.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder truly broke through in the second half of the season. After limited opportunities under coach Vitor Pereira, Mané’s fortunes changed when Rob Edwards took charge. A significant milestone came on December 27, 2025, when he made his first start in a 1-2 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield. Since then, the young star has gradually earned trust and become a regular figure in Wolves’ lineup.

To date, Mané has scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists. Beyond the statistics, the player of mixed English-Portuguese heritage stands out for his technique, confidence, and ability to create chances in the final third. His composed performances against Manchester United and Liverpool have further put him on the radar of these two English giants.

Liverpool is reportedly aiming to gain an advantage by initiating early talks to persuade Mané to commit to their long-term development plan at Anfield. The reigning Premier League champions highly value his potential, aligning with their strategy of youth rejuvenation and investing in promising talents.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are closely monitoring the situation. The “Red Devils” have intensified their focus on recruiting young players in recent years and view Mané as a valuable future addition.

From Wolves’ perspective, the West Midlands club is not under immediate pressure to sell since Mané still has three years left on his contract. The asking price is believed to be around £50 million, reflecting their high valuation of his development potential. After securing substantial fees from transfers like Pedro Neto and Matheus Cunha, Wolves have a reputation for tough negotiations.

The competition between Liverpool and Manchester United is expected to heat up in the coming months, as both clubs aim to secure one of the Premier League’s most promising young talents.