Benfica ‘tried to sign’ Lens forward Mezian Mesloub Soares as 16-year-old opts to stay | OneFootball

Benfica ‘tried to sign’ Lens forward Mezian Mesloub Soares as 16-year-old opts to stay | OneFootball

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·21 July 2026

Benfica ‘tried to sign’ Lens forward Mezian Mesloub Soares as 16-year-old opts to stay

Article image:Benfica ‘tried to sign’ Lens forward Mezian Mesloub Soares as 16-year-old opts to stay

L'Équipe reports that Benfica have been rebuffed in a move for 16-year-old forward Mezian Mesloub Soares, who has signed a professional contract to remain with Lens.

He made a memorable first-team debut last season, scoring seconds after coming on to seal a 1-0 win over Nantes in Ligue 1.


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Born in France and also holding Portuguese nationality, Mezian Mesloub Soares is a Portugal youth international at under-16 and under-17 level.

Benfica had monitored his progress and tried to bring him to Seixal, while PSV also submitted an offer.

Lens convinced the teenager to continue his development at the club where he was formed, leaving Benfica to pursue other targets.

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