Sporting CP sign Moroccan teenage sensation Moncef Zekri from Mechelen

Sporting CP have completed the signing of highly-rated Moroccan left-back Moncef Zekri from Belgian club Mechelen in the current summer transfer window.

The 17-year-old defender signed a contract that will keep him at the Portuguese club until June 2029.

Sporting have also demonstrated their confidence in the youngster by inserting an €80 million release clause into his contract. The significant valuation reflects the club’s belief in Zekri’s potential and their intention to protect their investment as he continues his development.

Despite his young age, Zekri has already gained valuable experience at senior level. He broke into Mechelen’s first team after progressing through the club’s youth system and made his senior debut at just 16 years old.

The left-back went on to establish himself as an important option for the Belgian side, making 20 appearances in the Belgian league. His early breakthrough at senior level attracted attention from several clubs, with Sporting eventually securing his services.

Zekri’s ability to operate at left-back, combined with his experience despite being only 17, has made him an attractive long-term prospect for Sporting. The Lisbon-based club is renowned for developing young players, and the move is expected to provide the Moroccan defender with an environment suited to his continued growth.

At international level, Zekri has chosen to represent Morocco, despite also holding Belgian citizenship.

He has already represented the Atlas Lions at youth level and was part of the Moroccan team that competed at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, where the North African side enjoyed a memorable campaign by reaching the final.

His international experience has further enhanced his reputation as one of Morocco’s emerging defensive talents.

Sporting’s decision to hand Zekri a contract until 2029, together with the €80 million release clause, underlines the club’s long-term plans for the teenager. Rather than simply adding depth to the squad, Sporting appear to view the young Moroccan as a player capable of developing into a significant asset for the club.

The transfer also represents another important step in Zekri’s rapid rise. Having made his senior debut at 16 and accumulated 20 Belgian league appearances before turning 18, the defender now has the opportunity to continue his development in Portugal.

Sporting will hope that Zekri can adapt quickly to Portuguese football and eventually establish himself in their first team as he continues to gain experience at the highest level.