Key Takeaways:
- Manchester United have reportedly opened discussions to sign 16-year-old AIK striker Kevin Filling ahead of the January transfer window
- Filling, valued at £2.6 million, has scored three goals in 10 appearances for AIK’s first team this season
- Ruben Amorim is reportedly unwilling to allow Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo to depart in January amid the squad’s African Cup of Nations absences
Transfer Market Activity Intensifies
Manchester United are said to be in advanced talks to secure one of Europe’s most highly rated prospects as preparations continue for the upcoming January transfer window. The club had already enjoyed a frenetic conclusion to the summer, bringing five new faces into Ruben Amorim’s squad: Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Senne Lammens and Diego Leon.
However, further reinforcements appear to be under consideration. The Red Devils have initiated negotiations for Kevin Filling, a prodigious striker currently plying his trade at AIK.
🚨🔴 Excl | Manchester United are in concrete negotiations over a transfer for Kevin #Filling.
The 16 y/o talented striker could leave AIK as early as this winter. Price valuation around €3m. Some Bundesliga clubs also consider him interesting.@SkySportDE 🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/HGEvEgVqja
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) October 28, 2025
Competition for Kevin Filling’s Signature
The pursuit of the 16-year-old forward is expected to intensify once the January window opens, with Manchester United likely to face rival offers from Bundesliga sides. Filling is understood to be valued at approximately £2.6 million (€3 million), and AIK may entertain his departure should terms be agreed in the New Year.
Despite his youth, Filling has already enjoyed significant first-team exposure this season, registering three goals in 10 senior appearances for AIK, and notably netting twice in Sweden’s Allsvenskan.
| Player | Age | Club | Appearances (2025/26) | Goals | Reported Market Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Filling | 16 | AIK | 10 | 3 | £2,600,000 |
January Transfer Prospects and Squad Management
It currently remains uncertain whether United will secure Filling’s services when the window opens, or precisely which Bundesliga clubs are vying for his signature. Filling is set to feature again for AIK against Elfsborg in the Allsvenskan on Sunday, following Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.
Further questions also surround United’s January budget, and whether it will permit the acquisition of Filling. Meanwhile, manager Ruben Amorim reportedly intends to resist any mid-season departure requests from Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo, due to concerns over squad depth with several players expected to leave for the African Cup of Nations.
