In what could be a major twist in the summer transfer market, Manchester United have sensationally hijacked Leeds United’s ambitious move for Rennes forward , with Red Devils boss Rúben Amorim reportedly cutting short his summer holiday to personally meet with the French striker. The dramatic development not only marks a significant moment in United’s transfer plans under Amorim’s leadership but also delivers a hammer blow to Leeds, who had prioritized Kalimuendo as a key component of their Premier League rebuild.
This unfolding saga underlines the intense nature of the transfer window and the increasingly proactive stance taken by Manchester United as they seek to reclaim domestic dominance. For Leeds United, the events represent a painful setback that could alter their entire attacking strategy for the 2025–26 season.
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Flight to Manchester Sparks Frenzy
The drama kicked off when sharp-eyed fans and reporters noticed that a private jet traveling from Rennes had landed at Manchester Airport in the early hours of Thursday morning. Social media quickly erupted with speculation, with many Leeds fans initially believing the flight was connected to their club’s ongoing pursuit of Kalimuendo, who had been on their radar for weeks.
However, it soon became clear that the final destination was not Elland Road—but rather Carrington, Manchester United’s training base. What followed was the bombshell revelation that Rúben Amorim had unexpectedly flown back from Portugal, where he had been enjoying a brief family vacation, to hold direct talks with Kalimuendo and his representatives.
This unprecedented move was widely interpreted as a sign of just how serious United are about securing Kalimuendo’s signature.
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Leeds United’s Prior Pursuit
Leeds United had been tracking Arnaud Kalimuendo for months. The 23-year-old forward, who netted 15 goals in all competitions for Rennes last season, was viewed by Leeds boss Daniel Farke as the ideal striker to lead their line in the Premier League. His pace, movement, and finishing ability made him a standout target, and Leeds had reportedly already submitted a £25 million bid earlier in June.
Leeds believed they had an edge in negotiations, having offered Kalimuendo a central role in their project and assurances of regular first-team football. Multiple French outlets had even suggested a medical was being arranged, pending minor contractual details.
But as the saying goes in football: until the pen hits the paper, nothing is done.
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Manchester United’s Intervention
Enter Manchester United.
Following the appointment of Rúben Amorim, United have moved swiftly to reshape their attacking department. With doubts over the futures of Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho, and ongoing inconsistency from Antony, the club has identified Kalimuendo as a versatile forward capable of operating across the front line.
According to sources close to Carrington, Amorim was particularly impressed by Kalimuendo’s intelligent off-the-ball movement, his pressing intensity—so crucial in Amorim’s high-octane system—and his proven record in Ligue 1 despite being just 23. The Portuguese manager reportedly instructed United officials to open urgent talks, fearing that the opportunity might slip away to a rival club like Leeds.
His decision to cut his holiday short and fly to Manchester to personally sell the project to Kalimuendo shows Amorim’s hands-on approach, a sharp contrast to some of his predecessors. It’s said Amorim told Kalimuendo in their meeting:
“You won’t be just another number here. You will be central to my plans.”
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Why Kalimuendo Fits Amorim’s Manchester United
Rúben Amorim’s style demands forwards who are technically gifted, capable of playing in tight spaces, and ready to engage in aggressive pressing. Kalimuendo ticks all those boxes.
His development at Paris Saint-Germain, combined with a breakout spell at Lens and now a successful stint at Rennes, has molded him into a mature, tactically disciplined attacker. While not an out-and-out number 9, his versatility means he can operate as a central striker, second forward, or wide attacker—making him an ideal weapon in Amorim’s tactical toolkit.
With Manchester United expected to line up in a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1, Kalimuendo could comfortably play off a target man like Rasmus Højlund or even rotate with the Danish forward in matches requiring more fluid attacking transitions.
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Devastation at Leeds
For Leeds United, the news has been met with disbelief and frustration. Sources inside the club revealed that sporting director Nick Hammond was left blindsided by United’s move, having believed Kalimuendo was “virtually wrapped up” as of last weekend.
Daniel Farke had already begun planning pre-season around the Frenchman’s inclusion, with tactical sessions drawn up to integrate him into a front three alongside Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto.
Leeds fans have expressed anger at their board for not sealing the deal faster, with many seeing this as a repeat of past failures in the market. Social media has erupted with pleas for the club to move quickly for alternatives such as Beto (Everton) or Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar).
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The Transfer Numbers
Manchester United are expected to submit a formal offer worth £28 million plus add-ons to Rennes within the next 48 hours. That figure is higher than Leeds’ last proposal, which was believed to be £25 million flat. Rennes are open to a sale, having promised Kalimuendo they wouldn’t block a move to the Premier League.
United’s financial muscle gives them further sway, as does their ability to offer Champions League football—something Leeds, despite their return to the top flight, cannot yet provide.
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Kalimuendo’s Decision Looms
As of now, Kalimuendo has yet to make a final decision, but signs are pointing toward a move to Old Trafford. According to sources close to the player, he was “deeply flattered” by Amorim’s personal approach and sees United as a massive platform to elevate his career.
He is expected to discuss the decision with his family and agents over the weekend, but if no late twists occur, the deal could be announced by early next week.
🎙️ What They’re Saying
- RMC Sport: “Kalimuendo was on the verge of a Premier League move, but Manchester United’s late entry has flipped the table.”
- Fabrizio Romano: “Leeds were leading the race, but Rúben Amorim’s intervention may have changed the course completely.”
- Leeds fan on X (Twitter): “How can we let this happen again? Kalimuendo was ours. The board moved too slow.”
🧩 What Next for Both Clubs?
For Manchester United, signing Kalimuendo would be another signal of intent under Amorim’s leadership. The Portuguese manager is determined to craft a young, energetic squad, and Kalimuendo is tailor-made for the pressing and fluidity he demands.
For Leeds, the task becomes damage control. Missing out on Kalimuendo is a blow, but the transfer window is far from over. Club insiders say they’ve already revived talks for Beto and are considering alternatives in Germany and Italy.
✅ Conclusion
The attempted signing of Arnaud Kalimuendo by Leeds United had looked like a major coup—until Manchester United and Rúben Amorim swooped in. Now, the balance has shifted. United’s intervention is a reminder that in the world of elite football, no deal is ever done until the signature is on the page.
With Amorim showing his ruthless side and United flexing their financial and institutional muscle, the Red Devils appear to have stolen a march on Leeds and secured a dynamic forward tailor-made for the future of the club.
The next 48 hours could be decisive—but as it stands, Kalimuendo’s destination looks increasingly like Old Trafford.
