Manchester United have set their sights on a teenage Portugal international who is already making waves in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
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Man United have widened their search for young talent. The club is closely watching a rising youngster Mezian Mesloub, who qualifies for Portugal through family roots, as per latest transfer news. This new interest arrives at a key moment for the club, since one of its own academy gems, JJ Gabriel recently asked to leave Old Trafford.
Man Utd scouts turn their eyes to Mezian Mesloub
Manchester United’s scouting staff have placed Mezian Mesloub, the 16-year-old midfielder at Ligue 1 side RC Lens, firmly on their radar, as reported by CaughtOffside. Mesloub carries Portuguese heritage through his mother’s side and already represents Portugal at youth level. He has featured for both the U16 and U17 sides.
Meanwhile, his father, Walid Mesloub, previously captained Lens and played international football for Algeria. This gives the teenager an unusual and rich footballing background. United are said to be tracking him closely as part of a wider strategy under the club’s ownership group.
The timing of this interest is notable, coming shortly after United’s own 15-year-old sensation JJ Gabriel asked to leave the club. That uncertainty appears to have pushed the club to widen their net. With that, Mesloub is exactly the kind of prospect the club now wants to secure before his price and profile grow beyond reach. The Premier League giants clearly believe that acting early gives them the best to land the player.
Mesloub’s Champions League bow and Ligue 1 heroics
Mesloub’s rapid rise has been built on genuine performances. He made his senior debut for Lens against Nantes in May. He came on from the bench and scored the winning goal within five seconds. That was a moment that made him one of the youngest goalscorers in Ligue 1 history.
That strike also secured UCL qualification for Lens, and he later made his bow in Europe’s top competition against Slavia Prague. He helped his side to a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory. During that game, he was on the field for 29 minutes, has a 87 percent passing accuracy. In addition, he reached a incredible top speed of 29.57 km per hour, as per UEFA stats.
These are the numbers that show both his composure and his physical abilities at such a young age. Lens moved quickly to keep their star safe, tying him down to his first professional deal after reportedly fending off interest from Benfica and PSV Eindhoven.
Mesloub’s senior stats at Lens so far, as per FOTMOB:
Season Matches Minutes Played Goals Assists
2026/2027 4 135 0 1
2025/2026 1 11 1 0
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Manchester United - Man Utd
Why this interest makes sense for Man United’s long term plans
Man United’s move should be read as part of a broader project rather than a simple reaction to losing Gabriel. Building strength across several age groups protects the club from depending too heavily on any single talent staying loyal. Mesloub still needs time, guidance, and careful management before any transfer takes shape.
But, his numbers already suggest a player capable of handling pressure on the biggest stages in European football. Competition for his signature will only intensify as more clubs take notice of his progress. That said, the Red Devils’ willingness to move early could prove key later.