Transfer Market: Sporting Secures Moncef Zekri

As A BOLA reported this Friday, Moncef Zekri is on his way to Sporting, with the transfer fee expected to be around €4 million, comprising a fixed sum and performance-based bonuses. These figures are currently being discussed with Mechelen, the Belgian club where the 17-year-old left-back is under contract until 2028.

The Lions had initially feared the departure of Maxi Araújo, with whom they recently extended a contract until 2030, easing concerns about an unwanted exit. However, it was Ricardo Mangas who ultimately left Alvalade for Monza. This created an immediate need for a new left-back, with a clear profile in mind: a player capable of deputizing for Maxi and who could be developed this season to potentially take over as a starter next summer, when Araújo's departure is considered inevitable.

Several targets were scouted, and Zekri emerged as the top choice. Sporting's swift negotiations have already secured the young Moroccan international, who was also being pursued by PSV Eindhoven. The Lisbon club has successfully convinced the Mechelen prospect, who is set to sign a five-year contract, with personal terms already agreed upon.

Discussions with the Belgian club are also progressing and are expected to conclude around the €4 million mark, a value that includes performance-related variables. The deal is well underway and should be finalized in the coming days.

In Friday's press conference, ahead of the match against Alverca, Rui Borges acknowledged that a left-back reinforcement is imminent. His comments suggested a familiarity with the Moroccan player, who turns 18 on September 20th. However, the coach refrained from elaborating further or confirming any names.

“I’ve heard so many left-back names mentioned… I won’t comment on Moncef [Zekri]. So many have been discussed. It depends on what the market can offer: we want a left-back and we need to understand what the market provides. On one hand, sometimes we want a young player, then we might want a different profile… It’s about understanding, within what the market offers, what the best option is: whether it’s a younger or more mature player,” Rui Borges stated.

Moncef Zekri is not expected to feature in today's match against Charleroi in the Belgian league's third round, indicating that his move to Alvalade is increasingly close to completion.