Sporting CP step up pursuit of KV Mechelen teenager Moncef Zekri

Sporting CP have made significant progress in their attempt to sign 17-year-old KV Mechelen left-back Moncef Zekri, with the Portuguese club reportedly reaching a provisional agreement over a transfer worth €3.5m, plus potential bonuses, according to Sacha Tavolieri.

Zekri’s absence from the KV Mechelen squad for the match against Standard has further fuelled speculation that he could be on his way out of the Belgian club. The teenager’s omission comes as discussions between the two clubs continue over a possible move to Portugal.

However, the transfer has not yet been finalised. Although Sporting CP and KV Mechelen are understood to have reached an initial understanding, several details still need to be resolved before the deal can be officially confirmed. Interest in the young Morocco international remains open, meaning the move cannot yet be considered complete.

Zekri is under contract with KV Mechelen until June 2028 and is currently valued at about €4m by Transfermarkt. Sporting CP are nevertheless emerging as the leading candidates to secure his signature, with the player viewed as a long-term investment for the left side of the team.

According to an exclusive report by Africafoot, KV Mechelen had set an initial asking price of at least €7m for Zekri. That figure could rise by a further €2m through performance-related bonuses, including payments linked to playing time and European qualification.

The differing figures underline the fact that negotiations are still taking place. The reported €3.5m agreement, together with possible add-ons, would represent the latest stage of talks, while the €7m valuation and additional €2m in bonuses indicate the terms KV Mechelen had previously sought for the teenager.

Sporting CP are due to play their third Portuguese league match against Alverca shortly. Betting odds listed for that fixture give Sporting CP a 1.16 price to win, with a draw at 6.75 and an Alverca victory at 11.75.