Immediate impact at senior level

Despite his tender age, Mesloub has already announced himself in senior football. He made his professional debut in May, replacing a teammate late in the match against FC Nantes. The substitute made an instant impression, scoring the decisive winner just five seconds after entering the pitch to secure a 1-0 victory for Les Sang et Or.

The youngster has carried that momentum into the current preseason schedule. Operating in his preferred attacking midfield position, Mesloub found the net twice during a 4-1 friendly victory over US Boulogne CO, further demonstrating his readiness for regular senior involvement.

International options

Mesloub’s background provides him with multiple international pathways. Born in France, he currently represents Portugal at youth level. However, he also retains eligibility to represent Algeria, giving him three potential senior national teams to choose from as his career progresses.

Fending off continental rivals

Tying down the talented teenager was a top priority for Lens officials this summer. The club faced significant competition from established European outfits, with Benfica submitting a concrete contract offer and PSV Eindhoven also monitoring his situation closely.

By choosing to sign his first professional deal with Lens rather than accepting proposals from Lisbon or Eindhoven, Mesloub has demonstrated faith in the club’s pathway for young players. The agreement marks a significant retention success for the French club, who have managed to ward off interest from two well-respected developmental sides to keep their homegrown talent.

The Bundesliga side had identified Álvarez as a target for the summer window, yet the overall cost of the transfer remains prohibitive at this stage. Benfica’s emergence as a rival suitor now complicates Köln’s pursuit, though the German club are yet to abandon their attempts to strike a deal.

Benfica’s search for midfield reinforcements

The Lisbon giants appear to have turned their attention to the 28-year-old after pursuing Bayern Munich‘s João Palhinha proved unsuccessful. With the Portuguese midfielder deemed out of Benfica’s financial reach, the club has identified Álvarez as a viable alternative to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new campaign.

Loan spell and current status

Álvarez spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Turkish side Fenerbahçe, where he made 12 appearances in the Süper Lig. The temporary move followed a frustrating spell at the London Stadium, where the defensive midfielder struggled to secure regular first-team football after joining from Ajax.

His performances in Turkey have reignited interest from mainland Europe, with both Benfica and Köln now monitoring his availability as they seek to reinforce their squads.

What happens next

West Ham are understood to be open to permanent offers for the player as they continue to reshape their squad. However, with two clubs now actively competing, the Hammers may hold out for improved terms or await formal bids.

Benfica’s financial advantage over Köln could prove decisive in any negotiations, though the German side retain hope of reviving their pursuit should West Ham lower their demands. The next week is likely to prove crucial in determining whether Álvarez moves to Portugal, returns to Germany with Köln, or faces an uncertain future back in London.

• 26-year-old Esteban Lepaul scored 21 goals for Stade Rennais in Ligue 1 this season.
• Portuguese club Benfica and Italian side Como want to sign the striker.
• Atlético Madrid from Spain have also asked about the player.
• Rennes want €30 million for their top scorer.
• The Frenchman says he prefers to stay at Rennes to play in European competitions.

Esteban Lepaul has become one of the most wanted strikers in French football. The 26-year-old forward moved to Stade Rennais from Angers last summer. He enjoyed an excellent first campaign at Roazhon Park, netting 21 times in Ligue 1. This impressive return made him the club’s leading marksman and secured his spot in the Get French Football News Team of the Year.

Several major European sides are now monitoring his situation. According to Foot Mercato, Atlético Madrid have already made an enquiry about the player. The Spanish giants are searching for a reliable goalscorer. L’Équipe now reports that Benfica and Como have also entered the race to capture his signature.

The French club value their star attacker at roughly €30 million. This asking price could be met as demand for the former Angers player continues to rise. However, Lepaul has expressed a desire to remain with his current employers. He told reporters earlier this month that he sees his future at Rennes.

The striker explained that competing in European tournaments is his priority. Rennes are certain to play in the UEFA Europa Conference League next term. They could secure a place in the Europa League if RC Lens defeat OGC Nice in the Coupe de France final. This prospect aligns perfectly with the player’s ambitions for the upcoming season.