Looking for a new central midfielder, Manchester United have entered the race to sign a young Belgian player who already commands a strong valuation in the transfer market.
Uncertainty surrounds the future of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo. Both players could fall victim to the midfield transformation desired by Manchester United. In the opposite direction, the Red Devils' hierarchy have identified numerous profiles and several Premier League midfielders are currently appealing to Manchester United.
The Old Trafford-based club appreciate Carlos Baleba (Brighton and Hove Albion), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) and Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), all players likely to prove expensive. Now, a financially more attractive solution would exist for Manchester United, one leading to a young midfielder from the Belgian championship.
United target Ajax youngster Mokio
According to Sacha Tavolieri, Manchester United are targeting Jorthy Mokio, Ajax Amsterdam's defensive midfielder. The English side could take advantage of the player's desire for a change of scenery in the coming months, despite the Dutch club's stated intention to extend his contract, which currently runs until June 2027.
The Belgian journalist explains that “the Red Devils' recruitment team are following the player very closely and see in him a profile perfectly suited to the club's new direction.” Arriving in summer 2024 at Ajax Amsterdam from Gent, Jorthy Mokio is currently linked to a market value of £7m, which has risen sharply in recent months, having stood at just £2.5m in March 2025.
Manchester United are not alone in the running: Newcastle and Eintracht Frankfurt are also monitoring the Belgium under-17 international's progress, having been spotted this season in Champions League action against Olympique de Marseille (0-4). Coming on as a substitute against the Phoceans, the 17-year-old prodigy has started just four times across all competitions since the beginning of the 2025-26 season.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
