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

On May 8, Mesloub scored his first Ligue 1 goal just 18 seconds after coming on as a substitute in Lens's match against Nantes. The Martinique-born player helped Lens secure a 1-0 victory, with the team finishing as runners-up to Paris Saint-Germain. The win also earned Lens direct qualification to the Champions League. This maiden goal in the top flight held special significance for Mesloub, particularly for his father Walid Mesloub. In an interview with Ligue 1+, the former Lorient player said: "I'm incredibly proud. I was already excited when he was called up, but seeing him play on the pitch where I once had the opportunity to play, with so many fans, and with such meaning… seeing him do that, to be honest, I wasn't ready. I knew he had the talent, but I didn't expect him to develop this quickly."

On July 20, the young player signed his first professional contract. Lens's statement read: "Another step toward the senior team! Following his breakthrough in Ligue 1 during the 2024/25 season, 16-year-old Mesloub has agreed to stay with Lens long-term. The midfielder, who has been with Lens for eight seasons and came through the Gaillette academy, has now signed his professional contract to continue his journey with his boyhood club." After impressing last season, Mesloub aims to maintain his form this campaign. He appeared as a substitute in the French Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain and featured off the bench for one minute in Lens's 5-2 opening-day Ligue 1 victory over Auxerre. He then came off the bench against Strasbourg and again against Lorient.

Subsequently, Mesloub appeared as a substitute for 29 minutes in the Champions League match against Sparta Prague, providing an assist. Manager Dino Toppmöller praised him, saying: "I'm smiling (when talking about him). To show such personality and courage at just 16 years old, the eagerness to demand the ball is incredible. We know he's a player who can have a decisive impact, and I have great confidence in him. He also played very well when he came on as a substitute against Strasbourg." Mesloub then played 45 minutes against Le Mans and 58 minutes against Monaco. Across four matches totaling 133 minutes with one start, he has yet to score this season but has provided one assist. His performances have generated high expectations in Portugal, as his mother is Portuguese.

Previously, Mesloub was called up to Portugal's U16 and U17 national teams and is now part of the U21 squad. During this international break, Portuguese media has begun paying close attention to the 16-year-old prospect. A Bola wrote: "'The New Yamal': This Portuguese talent is the son of an Algerian international! Born in France, his father played for Algeria, and his son may do the same for Portugal. Mesloub is following in his father's footsteps and has already made his Champions League debut. He is one of the most promising young players under Luís Freire. Mesloub's situation is remarkable: he was called up to the national team at 16 but previously represented Portugal's U16 and U17 teams. Mesloub could represent France, Algeria, or Portugal. He is shining at the highest level for Lens—the club where his father played (from 2017 to 2020) before moving to Lorient."

A Bola also noted: "This winger has been compared to Yamal. Two weeks ago, he made history in a 3-2 victory over 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, Mesloub ranks behind only Dário Essugo, who debuted in the Champions League for Sporting CP in 2021 at just 16 years and 8 months. Along with Flávio Gonçalves and Rafael Nel, Mesloub is one of the newest faces in Portugal's U21 team. What makes the Lens player exceptional is that he is the third-youngest player ever called up to a Portuguese youth national team, behind only Chalana and Diogo Costa." Futbol also noted the remarkable maturity of the Lens prospect, who is rising rapidly through the ranks.

Futbol reported: "Luís Freire's call-up of Mesloub to Portugal's U21 squad for the upcoming competition surprised some. The Lens midfielder is the third-youngest player ever called up to Portugal's U21 team and marks Freire's youngest call-up since taking charge. Freire has called up several players under 20 since his appointment." Strasbourg player Diogo Sousa commented: "Mesloub has started the season well. I follow French football closely, and he deserves his call-up. Like all of us, he's at the same level as other players. He's here to help the team, and if everything goes as we hope, he will bring us great joy." Portugal U21 coach Luís Freire also expressed confidence that Mesloub will make an impact.

While praising Mesloub, Freire remains cautious in his approach, particularly about comparisons to Yamal. Freire stated: "We often compare young players to someone immediately and then push them toward very high positions right away. Mesloub has just started playing at Lens." Mesloub is expected to feature in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2027 qualifying round. In Group B, Portugal leads with 19 points, ahead of the Czech Republic by 5 points. Portugal will face Bulgaria, Gibraltar, and the Czech Republic on September 25, September 30, and October 6, respectively.

Mesloub is eligible to represent not only Portugal but also France and Algeria. Days ago, Al-Ahram News revealed that the Algerian Football Federation is closely monitoring the situation. Reports indicate Algeria has made initial contact with Walid Mesloub regarding the matter. Algerian national team coach Brahim Hamdani plans to meet with the Mesloub family after the international break to discuss further and present his proposal. The competition to secure another Lens talent has already begun behind the scenes.

แปลโดย AI

เว็บไซต์ AF เปิดตัวแล้ว! ดูข่าว ความคิดเห็น รายละเอียดแมตช์ และสถิติครบถ้วนบนคอมพิวเตอร์ของคุณ เยี่ยมชม: www.allfootballapp.com