Khalis Merah: Algeria’s hopes boosted by talks between his father and Walid Sadi

Algeria’s chances of securing the international allegiance of Lyon midfielder Khalis Merah appear to have improved after an exchange between his father and Algerian Football Federation (FAF) president Walid Sadi.

The 19-year-old is reportedly keen to represent Algeria, while his father is said to have given his preliminary approval following the conversation with Sadi, according to information from winwin.

Merah is eligible to play for Algeria but has represented France twice at Under-20 level. He has not been selected by France since September 2025, having previously featured for the country’s Under-16 and Under-19 sides.

The FAF is not believed to want to put any pressure on the midfielder. Instead, it is reportedly waiting for Merah to regain his place in the Lyon starting line-up before taking the matter further.

The situation had appeared less encouraging for Algeria. Last year, officials from the federation contacted Merah’s father about involving the player in the country’s youth teams.

His response was reportedly that “it is for my son to decide”, a position which initially cooled the FAF’s interest in pursuing the matter.

Merah emerged as one of the notable players of the 2025-2026 season, establishing himself in Lyon’s first-team rotation. He made 32 appearances, starting 22 matches, and recorded one goal and two assists.

After those promising early performances, Lyon’s hierarchy secured his future with a contract extension running until 2029.

However, his development has slowed over the past year after an ankle injury affected him several months ago.

The Meyzieu-born player has made just one appearance this season. He came off the bench against Auxerre in the league on 4 September, playing the final 23 minutes of Lyon’s 3-1 victory.

Merah was not used in Lyon’s 0-0 draw with Paris FC on Saturday, in the fourth round of Ligue 1.

His current lack of regular first-team football is understood to be a key reason for the FAF’s cautious approach, despite the latest indications that Algeria has made progress in its efforts to convince him.