Moncef Zekri: Morocco U-17 star moves closer to Sporting CP switch

Morocco Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations winner Moncef Zekri has arrived in Lisbon to complete a move from KV Mechelen to Sporting CP.

The 17-year-old left-back is expected to join the Portuguese club in a deal worth about €3.5m, with further payments potentially linked to bonuses. Zekri travelled to Lisbon after Sporting CP moved ahead of a number of interested clubs in the race for his signature.

PSV Eindhoven had shown significant interest in the Morocco international, while Inter Milan had previously been linked with the defender. Ajax also tried to recruit Zekri earlier in his development, but he chose to remain at KV Mechelen in order to continue gaining experience in senior football.

That decision has helped accelerate his progress. Although he is contracted to the Belgian club until 2028, Zekri has already made around 20 appearances for the first team. He played 16 matches in the Pro League last season despite being one of the youngest players in the squad.

Sporting CP have been tracking his development for several months and are now close to securing a player regarded as one of Morocco’s most promising young talents.

Zekri combines a small stature, standing at 1.72m, with explosive acceleration and a strong left foot. He is capable of contributing in defensive situations but is also comfortable pushing forward and supporting attacks from the flank.

His reputation grew further during Morocco’s successful Under-17 campaign. Zekri was part of the team that won the Africa Cup of Nations Under-17 tournament in 2025 before establishing himself as a regular starter at the Under-17 World Cup.

He was also selected in the team of the tournament, underlining the impact he made on the international stage. One of his most notable performances came in Morocco’s last-16 meeting with Mali, when he supplied two assists while operating from the left-hand side.

The move to Sporting CP would represent a significant step in Zekri’s development. The Portuguese club is widely known for nurturing young players and giving them a pathway towards the highest level of European football.

Zekri had previously prioritised regular first-team football by turning down the opportunity to join Ajax and staying at KV Mechelen. After establishing himself in Belgium and making an impression with Morocco, he now looks ready to take on a much bigger challenge in Lisbon.