Scouts are buzzing: the 16‑year‑old Lens prodigy Mezian Mesloub is being hailed as United’s future JJ Gabriel. His rapid ascent has left many amazed.
Following endless scouting missions, the teen finally debuted for Lens’s first team this campaign.
While United may hold onto Gabriel, Mesloub presents a plug‑and‑play option should the striker depart.
Who truly is Mesloub Standard Sport insights…
Who is Mezian Mesloub?
At just 16, he already features for Ligue 1 club Lens.
Naturally right‑footed, he loves slicing inside from the wing.
May saw him burst onto the scene, scoring five seconds after coming on for Pierre Sage to clinch a 1‑0 victory over Nantes.
His influence has echoed throughout the season, as Lens has carefully eased him into senior action.
He made a cameo in Lens’s 1‑0 Trophée des Champions upset of PSG, then logged his Ligue 1 debut against Monaco on Friday.
Earlier, he appeared in the Champions League, delivering the assist in a dramatic 3‑2 win over Slavia Prague.
Which clubs want to sign Mesloub?
Those early sparks have already attracted attention from multiple European giants.
My take: United’s discreet scouting demonstrates savvy foresight that reaches past Gabriel’s short‑term gap.
Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona are also circling the teen.
FIFA regulations make pre‑18 overseas transfers tricky, turning any United pact into a long‑term venture.
PSG and Monaco have expressed interest, and their French base could ease a domestic move.
United must move fast or watch him slip to rivals; will the Red Devils seal his signature before the summer window shuts?
Born in France, Mesloub could ultimately opt for Algeria or Portugal thanks to his lineage.
His father, Walid Mesloub, a former Algerian international, also donned the Lens jersey.
The Portuguese tie stems from his mother; his grandfather moved from Portugal to France in the 1960s.
France capped him at youth level in 2024, yet he recently featured for Portugal’s U‑17 side.
His senior allegiance remains undecided until a competitive cap, fueling a three‑way tug‑of‑war.
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