Who is Mezian Mesloub? Man United identify RC Lens youngster as JJ Gabriel replacement
JJ Gabriel has said that he wants to leave Old Trafford.
Mezian Mesloub, a youth player from RC Lens, is being pursued by several teams, including Manchester United.
The 16-year-old Mesloub played in the 2-1 loss to AS Monaco earlier this month after scoring the game-winning goal seconds into his Ligue 1 debut in May.
Despite being born in France, attacking midfielder Mesloub has chosen to play for Portugal at the junior level. He earned his first professional deal in July.
Last week, he made his debut for Portugal Under-21s in a 2-1 loss to Bulgaria. Mesloub is attracting a lot of interest around Europe. But no move has been planned, according to reliable sources.
Who is Mezian Mesloub?
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Mezian Mesloub Soares, a 16-year-old professional football player, plays for RC Lens in Ligue 1 in France as an offensive midfielder or inverted winger. Considered one of the most promising young players in European football, he has recently drawn intense scouting interest from top teams like FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
He is the son of Walid Mesloub, the assistant manager of the Lens development system and a former skipper of the RC Lens club and midfielder for Algeria.
On May 8, 2026, Mesloub had an incredible professional debut for Lens against FC Nantes. He entered the game as a substitute and scored with his first touch five seconds into his debut.
With this win, Lens qualified for the UEFA Champions League. He also smashed the record for the quickest goal by a teenager in Ligue 1 history.
On September 10, 2026, he made his UEFA Champions League debut against SK Slavia Prague. He became one of the youngest players in history to get a Champions League assist before turning 17. He entered late in that game and helped Lens win 3-2.
Mezian Mesloub was born in France. His mother is Portuguese, and his father is Algerian. He chose to represent Portugal internationally despite being called up to the France U16 team in 2024.
He quickly rose through their U16 and U17 categories before making his Portugal U21 debut in September 2026.
Mezian Mesloub playing style
Currently playing for RC Lens, Mezian Mesloub is an explosive, extremely skilled inverted winger and offensive midfielder. He is often compared to Lamine Yamal of Barcelona by European media and scouts. All because of his explosive, left-footed playstyle on the right wing.
Mezian Mesloub can play centrally as a creative offensive midfielder, although he usually plays on the right side as an inverted winger. He can continuously drive at opponents. The player can also cut inside onto his preferred left foot while playing from the right.
How old is Mezian Mesloub?
He is 16 years old.
Which position does Mezian Mesloub play in?
He plays as an attacking midfielder and right winger.
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