Exclusive: Manchester United and Liverpool Held Talks Over £50m Wolves Starlet Mateus Mané

Having quietly emerged from Wolverhampton’s academy, 18-year-old Mateus Mané has quickly become one of the most sought-after names in the world of football. Despite being at the very dawn of his professional career, his standout performances have significantly whetted the appetite of European giants.

No Empty Seats at Molineux

Mané’s skyrocketing form over recent weeks has turned the directors' box at Molineux Stadium into a veritable scouting summit. 

Reports indicate that scouts from several top-tier clubs, most notably Manchester United and Liverpool, have been tracking the youngster’s every move for the past month. 

The dossiers compiled during Wolves' recent clashes against West Ham and Everton, where Mané found the back of the net in consecutive games, are said to be filled with "extraordinary" ratings.

Explosive Power and Technical Maturity

In scouting reports, Mané is described as a profile possessing all the essential traits required of a modern attacker. Standing at 1.75m, his most striking attributes are his explosive pace in tight spaces and his composure when driving the ball toward the opposition goal.

Capable of operating both on the wings and as a number ten, Mané is hailed as a "footballing brain beyond his years" due to his clever positioning and clinical finishing. 

His fearless runs behind the defence and grit in physical duels are clear evidence that he has already adapted to the intensity of the Premier League.

Club Strategy and Valuation

Wolverhampton’s position was unwavering throughout the winter window, which closed on Tuesday evening, with the club having no intention of sanctioning Mané’s departure. 

Having secured the young talent with a long-term contract running until 2029, the valuation set by the club is eye-watering.

Both Manchester United and Liverpool held formal discussions with Wolves, but an asking price in the region of £45–50 million proved prohibitive for the Premier League heavyweights. There is an expectation that the starlet could become available for a reduced fee in the summer, should Wolves suffer relegation to the Championship.

Wolves’ firm stance was underpinned by the fact they had already cashed in on striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, who joined Crystal Palace for a record club fee earlier in the window. With significant funds already secured, the West Midlands club had no pressing need to sell Mateus Mané and were comfortable resisting advances.

That confidence was reflected in a late move to line up Girona forward Vladyslav Vanat as a potential Strand Larsen replacement, but despite groundwork being done, a deadline-day deal ultimately failed to materialise.

The Verdict

From a professional standpoint, any mid-season departure is now off the table with the January window closed, meaning Mané cannot move until the summer at the earliest. 

The player remains focused on staying put, where he is enjoying regular minutes and continuing his rapid development. 

However, with Liverpool and Manchester United having already made enquiries through representatives, the summer of 2026 is shaping up to prompt record-breaking transfer attempts for Mané. 

Wolverhampton’s final league position at the end of the campaign will be the key factor in how quickly any move gathers momentum.