Wolverhampton Wanderers teenager Mateus Mane has become one of the Premier League’s most in-demand young talents, and he must now make a huge decision over his future.
The 18-year-old forward has been one of the very few positive signs in Wolves’ pitiful campaign at the bottom of the Premier League table.
With the club preparing for relegation, interest in their “wonderkid” is building at the club and international level.
Here, Transfer News Blitz writer Liberty Nicholson-Hulse analyses Mane’s next move, what it could mean for his club and international future.
Mane steals spotlight as Wolves struggle
Mane joined Wolves from Rochdale in February 2024 and made his senior debut under Vitor Pereira in a 2-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in May 2025.
Fast forward to this season, and he has made himself undroppable in Rob Edwards’ side.
Having started in Wolves’ last 11 league matches, Mane has established himself as a vital figure in the team.
In Wolves’ first Premier League win of the season against West Ham United, Mane set up the first goal, won the penalty for the second, and scored the third to become the club’s youngest goalscorer.
In a miserable season, he has almost single-handedly transformed Molineux into a place with something exciting to watch.
Mane has been a breath of fresh air in a Wolves team that has rarely looked brave enough to run at defenders or show real intent in the final third.
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Big six interest fuels transfer buzz
Mane has made an incredible impact, which has put him on the radar of many clubs looking for his youthful energy and attacking threat.
Transfer talk has already begun, and with Wolves looking towards the Championship next season, it’s likely that the club’s finances will heavily influence their decisions.
Discussions over a potential move to a “big six” club, particularly Manchester United, have already been reported, and recent social media activity has only intensified speculation.
A TikTok reposted by Mane, captioned “bring him in” and tagged #manchesterunited, quickly gained attention from fans.
It’s uncertain whether social media is just fuelling false rumours. However, there are clearly several clubs that are showing interest.
Wolves will likely do everything they can to convince Mane to stay, potentially arguing he would benefit from a season in the Championship.
However, the player is already proving he can perform at the highest level and might be reluctant to step down to the second tier.
Mane considered by Portugal and England for next call-up
Away from Wolves, Mane’s international future is also starting to take shape.
Portugal manager Roberto Martínez is said to be interested following Mane’s Premier League breakthrough.
With Portugal very keen for the move, the player could initially be called up to Portugal Under-21s and even progress to the senior squad after the World Cup.
England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley is also taking a firm interest.
Born in Barreiro in Portugal, Mane moved to England aged eight and has represented England Under-18s seven times since making his debut in 2024.
Having only featured for England at the youth level, FIFA rules mean he remains free to represent a different national team.
Mane will concentrate on club football for the time being, but an important international decision is still ahead of him.
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What happens next?
Considering that the teenager is still in the early years of his career, it is important that he doesn’t allow pressure to affect his performances.
It is unreasonable to expect consistency, especially in a team destined for relegation and aiming only to beat Derby County’s low points record.
However, Mane has already made a name for himself and has proven that he can create moments of brilliance, bringing some flair to an otherwise dreary campaign at Molineux.
He has been Wolves’ standout performer, and arguably the best player on the pitch every time he has featured. This will have caught the eye of clubs who can attract talent when Rob Edwards’ team inevitably go down.
Mateus Mane’s next moves both for club and country have become an intriguing storyline which will be worth watching.
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