Paulo Fonseca has expressed his surprise at the rapid development of Khalis Merah, following a string of standout performances by the young midfielder during Olympique Lyonnais’ pre-season campaign.
The 18-year-old was handed three opportunities to feature in Lyon’s warm-up matches ahead of the new season and made the most of the occasion by scoring his first goal at senior level.
Fonseca, who took charge of the Ligue 1 side this summer, admitted he was impressed by Merah’s composure, energy, and commitment on the pitch.
“He has talent, he always wants the ball, he’s courageous, and he puts in a lot of effort defensively. I’m completely surprised,” the Lyon boss said.
While Fonseca was aware of Merah’s potential from his time with the youth team, the Portuguese coach noted that the youngster’s impact in the senior environment was unexpectedly strong.
“I knew Khalis, but seeing him at youth level and now in this context are two different things,” he continued. “We must be careful not to place too much pressure on a player who still needs time to grow in order to become a key figure for OL in the future.”
Merah’s rise has been swift. Just a year ago, he was making occasional appearances with Lyon’s reserve side in France’s fifth tier, the National 3, featuring in only five matches.
His performances over the summer have not only showcased his maturity and technical ability but also earned him recognition from the first-team coaching staff.
Fonseca’s praise was measured, but clearly enthusiastic, underlining both the excitement surrounding Merah’s potential and the need to protect his development.
“There’s no question that he’s made a strong impression. But at this stage, our role is to guide him without rushing. The most important thing is to allow him to evolve naturally within the squad.”
The young midfielder’s pre-season goal has only added to the growing buzz around him. Merah demonstrated poise and confidence beyond his years during the summer fixtures, drawing attention from both fans and club staff alike.
While it remains to be seen whether he will secure a regular spot in the starting lineup when the competitive season begins, his chances have undoubtedly been boosted.
Lyon, who are preparing for a demanding season under Fonseca, may look to integrate more youth into the squad, and Merah could benefit from the manager’s track record of developing emerging talent.
With the season ahead presenting multiple challenges across domestic and potential European competition, depth and versatility in the midfield could open more doors for the teenager.
For now, Merah’s focus will be on continuing to impress during training and taking advantage of any further opportunities that come his way.
Fonseca’s comments suggest that the door is open—though the path to a consistent first-team role will require patience, consistency, and continued hard work.
Still, for a player with only a handful of reserve matches to his name just months ago, Khalis Merah’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable.
