Morocco wonderkid Moncef Zekri set for Sporting CP switch from KV Mechelen

Moroccan teenager Moncef Zekri is on the verge of completing a move to Portuguese giants Sporting CP after arriving in Lisbon to finalise a four-year contract.

The 17-year-old is expected to complete his medical and other formalities before Sporting officially announce the transfer.

Transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri confirmed that Zekri was at Estádio José Alvalade on Monday to complete the final stages of the move.

“Moncef Zekri currently in Estádio José Alvalade in order to sign his 4-year contract and make the official pictures linked to his transfer with Sporting Portugal. Exclusive confirmed,” Tavolieri wrote on X.

Mechelen absence points to transfer

Zekri was left out of KV Mechelen’s squad for their last two Jupiler Pro League matches as negotiations over his transfer to Portugal reached their final stages.

The youngster had enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with the Belgian club, making 17 appearances across all competitions and establishing himself within the first team.

His performances also attracted significant attention on the international stage with Morocco.

U17 success raises Zekri’s profile

Zekri played a key role in Morocco’s success at the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations, helping the North Africans win the tournament and earning a place in the competition’s Best XI.

He continued to impress at the U17 World Cup, with his attacking ability from the left flank particularly evident in Morocco’s round-of-16 victory over Mali.

Zekri provided two assists in that match as Morocco secured their place in the next round.

Sporting offer next step in development

The move to Sporting provides Zekri with an opportunity to continue his development at a club renowned for producing young talent and giving players a pathway into elite European football.

The Moroccan teenager had previously turned down interest from Ajax in favour of pursuing regular first-team opportunities.

His move to Lisbon now represents another major step in a rapidly developing career, with Sporting hoping to help turn one of Morocco’s promising young talents into a top-level European player.