Sporting secure €3m deal for Moroccan-Belgian left-back Moncef Zekri

Moroccan-Belgian teenager Moncef Zekri has joined Sporting from KV Mechelen in a €3m transfer, completing a move to the Portuguese club at the age of 17.

The left-back, who was born in Brussels and is eligible to represent both Morocco and Belgium, moves to Liga Portugal after making one senior appearance for Mechelen in the Jupiler Pro League. He played the full 90 minutes in that outing before switching countries and leagues.

Zekri developed through Mechelen’s system, joining the club’s under-18 side from STVV Youth in January 2025 before moving into the senior structure. He progressed from Jong KVM to KV Mechelen in July 2025 and now leaves Belgium for Sporting.

The move adds a young defender to Sporting’s squad, with Zekri’s preferred position on the left side of defence. He is left-footed and stands 1.72m tall.

Internationally, Zekri has represented Morocco and was part of the nation’s under-17 team that won the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations in 2025. His switch to Sporting therefore brings a youth international champion into the Portuguese club’s set-up.

The transfer places Zekri’s market value at €4m, according to the latest valuation, while the agreed fee is €3m. He has signed a contract with Sporting running until 30 June 2029.