Manchester United are continuing to work on a solution to the JJ Gabriel situation, but the club are also looking at other young talents who could strengthen their academy setup.
TEAMtalk reports that Lens teenager Mezian Mesloub has emerged as one player attracting attention from United’s scouting department.
JJ Gabriel has reportedly asked to leave Manchester United, with Real Madrid and Barcelona among the clubs interested in the 15-year-old. Chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox have become involved in efforts to resolve the situation, but United are also assessing their wider options.
Who is Lens wonderkid Mezian Mesloub?
Mezian Mesloub is rapidly gaining attention in European football after breaking into Lens’ first team at a very young age.
The teenager made his professional debut in May 2026, coming off the bench against Nantes. He needed just five seconds to make an impact, scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 victory that helped Lens secure Champions League qualification.
That goal also gave Mesloub a place in Ligue 1 history, as he became the fastest player to score on his league debut.
Since then, his performances have continued to attract interest, and he is now regarded as one of the most exciting young players to emerge from France.
United’s scouts have reportedly been carrying out extensive work on Mesloub as they track his development and consider whether he could become a longer-term target.
The interest does not necessarily mean United have moved on from JJ Gabriel. The club remains determined to find a way to keep their academy prospect, while the recruitment team is also making sure alternatives are being assessed.
