Algeria: A first encouraging sign for a talent from OL

Khalis Merah, the young midfielder from Olympique Lyonnais, currently playing with the French youth teams, is attracting particular interest from the FAF. His entourage has reportedly recently sent a positive signal regarding his future on the international stage.

The case of Khalis Merah seems to be taking a promising turn for Algeria. According to information reported by the media outlet Winwin, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has recently made progress in its efforts to persuade the young talent from Olympique Lyonnais to choose to represent the Greens.

Born on February 24, 2007, in Lyon and thus 19 years old, Merah is seen as one of the revelations of OL during the 2025-2026 season. The midfielder has managed to integrate into the first team's rotation, participating in 32 matches across all competitions, with one goal and two assists to his name.

Although he currently represents France at the under-20 level, the player has Algerian roots that allow the Greens to seriously consider his integration in the medium term. According to Winwin, a recent exchange took place between Walid Sadi, president of the FAF, and the player's father. The latter reportedly gave a principle agreement regarding a potential representation of Algeria by his son.

However, the Federation does not wish to rush the processes. The goal is to allow Merah to focus on his development with OL, especially after a period disrupted by an ankle injury. The FAF would wait for him to regain a regular spot in the Lyon starting eleven before deepening discussions.

For the FAF, the Merah case represents a new battle to be fought, but this time with an encouraging first signal issued by the entourage of the young Lyonnais.

DZfoot