Was in the race for African player of the year in 2018. Qualified the Tunisia national team to the World Cup by himself, but suffered a cruciate ligament injury which ruled him out of the Tournament, massive blow for Tunisia. Considering that Egypt had Salah, Senegal had Mane, Nigeria had plenty of good players, Morocco had Zyiech and more, but Tunisia relied just on Msakni to get to the World Cup ahead of Ivory Coast (Zaha, Nicolas Pepe, Seri), Ghana (Ayew bros.), Cameroon (Ekambi), South Africa, Algeria (Mahrez, Brahimi, Bounedjah etc.) etc.

He has since recovered and spent half a season at lowly Belgium side Eupen to get accustomed to Europe and get back to full fitness. I believe he's now at full capacity again and he should be given a chance in Europe. Not sure if Zaha level, but definitely close and could be at least brought in on loan and tested for a year.

He has played in the national team in every match when he has been available. Work permit regulations say that a player needs to have played 45% of national team's matches in the last 2 years if the national team is in the Top 20 FIFA Rankings, 60% if it's in the Top 30 and 75% or more if it's between 31 and 50.

He has 15 matches out of 29 and Tunisia is ranked 29th.

[Link]

He's over 50% but not quite at 60%. So no work permit you'd say? Well, as far as I know, the times when you were injured, suspended or unavailable for the national team don't count. So he's more than sure to be able to get a work permit.

His club level stats:

[Link]

Yes, he has only played in a modest league, but being the best in the national team and scoring or assisting against Croatia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Morocco and having 11 goals and 15 assists in 3900 minutes for the Tunisia national team as a winger is not something you can cheat.

A video to see him:

[Link]

[Link]

Will probably go to France's Ligue 1 by the end of the transfer period, it remains to be seen where.