Who is Mezian Mesloub? Manchester United identify Ligue 1 wonderkid as potential JJ Gabriel replacement

United linked with Lens wonderkid but Chelsea and Arsenal also among potential suitors

According to reports, Man Utd’s scouting department have carried out extensive work on the teenager, who has already made his senior debut for the French club.

While United’s priority remains to keep Gabriel, their interest in Mesloub shows they are planning for the possibility that their highly-rated academy forward ultimately chooses a different path.

Who is Mezian Mesloub?

Mesloub is a 16-year-old who plays for Ligue 1 side Lens in France.

He is considered an attacking midfielder, often operating on the right-hand side. He has been described as an ‘inverted winger’ by some pundits.

The teenager made a stunning debut for Lens in May, scoring just five seconds after being introduced off the bench by now-Crystal Palace manager, Pierre Sage. It proved to be the winning goal as Lens beat Nantes 1-0.

Manchester United have been linked with Mezian Mesloub

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This season, he has continued to make an impact, albeit his introduction into the first team has been understandably slow thus far.

Mesloub stayed on the bench as Lens beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the Trophee des Champions – the French equivalent of the Community Shield – but he was soon involved in Ligue 1 action, making his first senior start in last Friday’s clash with Monaco.

Prior to that, he had made his Champions League debut, coming on to assist in the last-gasp 3-2 victory over Slavia Prague.

Which clubs want to sign Mesloub?

Mesloub’s early displays have already attracted the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs.

Man Utd are said to have scouted Mesloub’, although that decision is not thought to be related to the current situation with their own teenage star, JJ Gabriel, who is keen to leave Old Trafford.

As well as United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona have been linked with the 16-year-old.

Talent: Mezian Mesloub

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However, taking the teenager out of France before he turns 18 would prove tough under current FIFA regulations, so this could be a long-term game for the likes of United.

PSG and Monaco have also been mentioned as potential suitors and their position within France would technically make it easier for them to sign Mesloub, should they wish to do so.

Which country will Mesloub play international football for?

Mesloub was born in France but his international future could lie in Algeria or Portugal, due to his family connections.

His father, Walid Mesloub, is a former Algeria international, who also used to play for Lens.

Meanwhile, the Portuguese links come from his mother’s side of the family – his Portugal-born grandfather moved to France in the 1960s.

Mesloub was called up by France at youth level in 2024 but recently he has played for Portugal Under-17s.

His international future will only be settled once he plays a competitive game at senior level, so a three-way tug-of-war may be forthcoming.