Khalis Merah receives Algeria call-up hint from international team-mate

Khalis Merah has been publicly encouraged to choose Algeria after making a promising start to life with Olympique Lyonnais.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder is eligible to represent the Fennecs at senior level, despite currently playing for France at Under-20 level. His dual international status has attracted increasing attention, with one Algeria international now making her preference clear.

Melissa Bethi, who previously spent four years at Olympique Lyonnais, responded to an Instagram story posted by Merah. Her comment read: “Will it soon be the same with the Algeria shirt then 👀”

The message was light-hearted but direct, appearing to invite the Lyon player to commit his international future to Algeria.

Bethi is familiar with the club and its surroundings after her spell at OL. It is possible the pair know each other, although there is no confirmation that they have a personal relationship.

Merah is regarded as one of the promising products of the Lyon academy. A technically gifted attacking midfielder, he is comfortable in tight spaces and capable of beating opponents with the ball at his feet. His creativity and willingness to move forward have been among the features of his game.

He has begun to establish himself around the first-team squad this season. Merah has made three appearances in Ligue 1 and scored his first goal in the top flight during Olympique Lyonnais’ 2-1 defeat away to RC Lens.

That goal underlined his ability to make an impact even when his side are operating in difficult circumstances.

His performances have also earned recognition from France’s youth teams, with Merah currently involved with the Bleuets U20.

The midfielder’s international future remains undecided. Algeria had previously approached his father, but that attempt did not lead to a change in his sporting nationality.

Merah therefore remains eligible for both France and Algeria at this stage. His appearances for France Under-20s have not prevented him from being considered by Algeria, but he has yet to make a senior international choice.

For now, Bethi’s message offers a public indication of the interest waiting for him on the other side of the Mediterranean. Whether that encouragement will influence the young Lyonnais remains to be seen.