Transfer Market: Sporting Prepares Bid for Zekri

Moncef Zekri, a highly-rated left-back, was on Sporting's radar to bolster their defense and is now poised to fill the void left by Ricardo Mangas. He's seen as a competitor for Maxi Araújo and a future investment should the Uruguayan depart. Sporting is reportedly preparing an offer of €3-4 million to present to Belgian club Mechelen, aiming to bring the 17-year-old to Alvalade as soon as possible this summer transfer window.

Zekri, who turns 18 on September 20th, is already considered one of the brightest prospects in Moroccan football and the Belgian league. He was a starter for the U-17 national team that won the 2025 AFCON and has already featured for his club this season, playing 90 minutes in their 0-2 opening day loss to Gent. He did not play in the second match, a 3-3 draw against Standard Liège.

Last season, he impressed in 17 appearances for Mechelen's senior team, catching the eye of the Lions' scouting department.

Sporting successfully retained Maxi Araújo, who extended his contract until 2030 this August, alleviating immediate concerns about finding a replacement for the 26-year-old Uruguayan international. However, with Mangas's departure to Monza, the club intensified its search for another left-back. After exploring several targets, their focus has now shifted to Zekri, with a €3-4 million bid expected to be sent to Belgium.

Despite his youth, the Moroccan already possesses significant top-flight experience. Recognized as a precocious talent, he's viewed as a future star, capable of stepping in during Maxi Araújo's absences and eventually taking over the starting role once the Uruguayan international's anticipated departure occurs next summer. Furthermore, given his tender age, he has the potential to generate substantial future transfer value if he establishes himself at Alvalade.

Born in Brussels but holding dual nationality, Moncef Zekri represents Morocco internationally. He came through the Mechelen academy and made his senior debut as a starter in May 2025 against Charleroi (1-1). Despite attracting interest from European giants like Ajax and Leverkusen, the young full-back opted to renew his contract until 2028 before even entertaining offers from the Dutch or German clubs.

Sporting is preparing their offensive, with a formal proposal expected to be submitted to the Belgian club this week. At Alvalade, Moncef Zekri is anticipated to sign a five-year contract, running until 2031, with a release clause potentially reaching €80 million, although some defenders at Sporting currently have clauses set at €60 million.

Barring any last-minute, and undesirable, departures – such as those of Geny Catamo and Luiz Suárez – the signing of the left-back is expected to finalize Sporting's squad. However, João Virgínia's situation could still open the door for another goalkeeper. For now, the left-back position is solely occupied by Maxi Araújo, who, due to a suspension on the first matchday, was replaced by B-team youngster Rodrigo Dias in the 2-2 draw against Estrela da Amadora.