According to French media Foot Mercato, 16-year-old Lens prospect Mesloub has signed his first professional contract and is attracting interest from Portugal and Algeria.

On May 8, Mesloub scored his first Ligue 1 goal in Lens' match against Nantes, just 18 seconds after coming on as a substitute. The Martigues-born player helped Lens secure a 1-0 victory, with the team ultimately finishing second behind PSG. This win also secured Lens direct qualification for the Champions League. For Mesloub, his debut goal in the top flight held special significance, particularly for his father, Walid Mesloub. In an interview with Ligue 1+, the former Lorient player stated, "I am very proud. I was already thrilled when he was called up, but to see him step onto a field I once had the privilege of playing on, with so many fans present and such important meaning behind it... to see him do that, honestly, I wasn't prepared. I knew he had the ability, but I didn't expect him to mature so early."

On July 20, the young player signed his first professional contract. Lens announced: "Another step towards the senior team! After making his debut in the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season, 16-year-old Mesloub has committed to Lens for the long term. The attacking midfielder, who has been with Lens for eight seasons and came through the Gaillette academy, has signed a professional contract, continuing his story with his boyhood club." After impressing last season, Mesloub aims to build on that momentum this campaign. He was on the bench for the French Super Cup against PSG and when Lens defeated Auxerre 5-2 in the opening Ligue 1 match. He came on as a substitute for 1 minute against Strasbourg and was again on the bench against Lorient.

Mesloub came on as a substitute for 29 minutes in the Champions League match against Sparta Prague and provided an assist. Manager Dino Toppmöller praised him, saying, "I'm already smiling when talking about him. To show such character and personality at 16, and to proactively ask for the ball, is incredible. We know he's the kind of player who can make a decisive impact, and I have a lot of faith in him. He also played very well when he came on against Strasbourg." Since then, Mesloub has played 45 minutes against Le Mans and 58 minutes against Monaco. Across all competitions in 4 appearances totalling 133 minutes with 1 start, he has yet to score this season but has provided 1 assist. This performance has also captured attention in Portugal, his mother's home country.

Mesloub has been called up to the Portugal U16 and U17 teams, and for this international break has been selected for the Portugal U21 team. Portuguese media has taken notice of the 16-year-old. A Bola wrote: "'The new Yamal': This Portuguese talent is the son of an Algerian international! He was born in France. His father played for Algeria, and his son might do the same for Portugal: Mesloub is following in his father's footsteps, and he has already made his mark in the Champions League. He is one of the most anticipated prospects under Luis Freire... Mesloub's situation is remarkable: he was called up to the national team at 16, having previously represented the U16 and U17 teams. Mesloub can also represent France and Algeria, and he is shining at the highest level for Lens—where his father also played from 2017 to 2020 before joining Lorient."

A Bola also noted: "The winger is often compared to Yamal. Two weeks ago, he made history in a 3-2 victory over Czech side Slavia Prague, providing an assist and becoming the second-youngest Portuguese player to appear in the Champions League: at 16 years, 10 months, and 2 days, he trails only Dário Essugo, who made his Champions League debut for Sporting CP in 2021 at 16 years and 8 months. Mesloub, alongside Flávio Gonçalves and Rafael Nel, is among the new faces in the Portugal U21 team. What makes the Lens player special is that he is the third-youngest player ever called up to the Portuguese youth national team, after Chalana and Diogo Costa." Futbol also highlighted the precocity of the Lens youngster, who is progressing rapidly through the ranks.

Futbol wrote: "Luis Freire's call-up of Mesloub for the upcoming Portugal U21 matches surprised some. The Lens midfielder is the third-youngest player ever called up to the Portugal U21 team and the youngest since Freire took charge. Freire has already selected several players under 20 since his appointment." Strasbourg player Diogo Sousa said: "Mesloub has started the season well. I've been following French football recently. He deserves the call-up, and like the rest of us, he's performing at a high level. He's here to help the team, and if all goes well, as we hope, he will bring us much joy." Portugal U21 coach Luis Freire also has high expectations for Mesloub.

Despite his admiration for Mesloub, Freire wants to maintain perspective, especially by avoiding early comparisons to Yamal. Freire stated: "We often immediately compare young players to someone and then place them in a very high position. Mesloub is just beginning his time at Lens." Mesloub is expected to feature in the 2027 European U21 Championship qualifiers. In Group B, Portugal leads with 19 points, 5 points clear of the Czech Republic, and will face Bulgaria on September 25, Gibraltar on September 30, and the Czech Republic on October 6.

Mesloub is eligible to represent Portugal, France, and Algeria. Days ago, Al-Ahram reported that the Algerian Football Federation is closely monitoring his situation. The media stated that the Algerian side has already made initial contact with Walid Mesloub regarding the matter. Algerian coach Brahim Hamdani also plans to meet with the Mesloub family after the international break to discuss his plans. An international race for this emerging Lens talent is already underway.

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