Attention, Portugal: Efforts Underway to Lure "New Yamal," U-17 International

Mezian Soares is one of the most talked-about talents in European football. At just 16 years old, the young winger is already making waves at Lens. After scoring on his senior debut for Racing last season, he has featured in three matches this campaign, once again making an immediate impact.

Last Thursday, he played a crucial role in the French side's hard-fought victory away at Slavia Prague, assisting Thauvin for the equalizer that made it 2-2 late in the game.

Then, on Sunday, he continued to impress in the 2-2 draw against Le Mans in Ligue 1.

The nickname he's been given carries significant weight. Dubbed the "new Yamal," he's compared to the Barcelona star not only for physical similarities but also for his playing style. Soares often drifts to the right flank but also enjoys exploiting central attacking areas.

Born in France with Portuguese and Algerian heritage, Mezian has been part of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) setup for some time, earning eight youth caps for the Seleção. However, the Algerian Football Federation poses a threat to his potential future with the Portuguese national team.

According to La Gazette du Fennec, citing the WinWin website, the North African nation's football body has already initiated efforts to sway Mezian Soares, through Ali Mouçer. The Algerian federation's technical director reportedly spoke with the young prodigy's father, former international Walid Mesloub, to gauge the player and his family's openness to a potential switch of national allegiance.

The same sources indicate that Mezian's father adopted a cautious stance, prioritizing his son's full establishment in the Lens first team. Meanwhile, Brahim Hemdani, the new Algerian national team coach, has reportedly scheduled a meeting with the player and his family after the upcoming international break, set for late September and early October. It's also worth noting that the French federation might yet have a say in the matter.