Transfer Market: Sporting Explores Zekri Alternatives

Moncef Zekri remains a strong contender for Sporting's left-back reinforcement, with the club's board (SAD) preparing an offer for Mechelen in the range of €3 to €4 million. However, they are still exploring alternatives to the Moroccan talent.

Sporting is also open to pursuing other leads and investing in a more experienced player. Among the numerous names identified by the scouting department, one, as A BOLA understands, has gained traction. Initially deemed unattainable, recent indications suggest that the player's current club might now be willing to negotiate a transfer to Alvalade.

The Lions are now weighing their options. Zekri is an undeniable talent; despite being just 17, he has already made 20 appearances for Mechelen's senior team in the Belgian top flight, 14 of them as a starter. He also boasts 18 caps for Morocco's U-17 national team, with whom he won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and reached the World Cup quarter-finals, a tournament ultimately won by Portugal.

Under contract until 2028, Zekri started in the opening match of the 2026/27 Belgian league season but was left out of the squad for the second game. His coach merely stated he was "unavailable" for selection, hinting at a potential departure.

Sporting not only seeks an immediate alternative to Maxi Araújo—a pressing need following Ricardo Mangas's move to Monza (Rodrigo Dias, 21, made his senior debut in the first match)—but also someone who can step up as the Uruguayan's successor should he be transferred next summer. This scenario remains a possibility, even after Araújo's contract extension until 2030.

The concern is that Zekri might still be too "green" to fully command the left-back position next summer, when he will only be 18 years old.

In this context, Sporting is evaluating other possibilities. Nevertheless, the Moroccan remains a viable option, especially since if (or when) Maxi departs, the Lions will inevitably need to sign a left-back. If Zekri is in the squad but not yet ready to be a starter, then any incoming reinforcement would need to be a significant signing, rather than just a rotational option.