Sporting agree deal with Belgian club for Moncef Zekri, €3.5m | OneFootball

Sporting is very close to securing another prospect for the squad, having reached an agreement with Mechelen for the signing of Moncef Zekri. The Lions could pay €3.5 million, with bonuses potentially added to that amount.

According to Sacha Tavolieri, the deal for the young Moroccan defender is already at a very advanced stage, given that the wing-back was left out of the squad for this Sunday’s match against Standard Liège. The 17-year-old’s absence comes precisely at a time when negotiations are said to be being finalized.

The player appears as an option to increase competition on the Lions’ left flank. The signing could become even more important given Rui Borges’ need for more solutions in the position, following Ricardo Mangas’ departure.

Despite his young age, the Morocco under-17 international already has senior-level experience. Last season, Moncef Zekri — valued at €4 million — made 17 appearances for Mechelen, showing enough potential to attract the Lions’ interest.

The Lions will be back in action on Saturday, August 22, against Alverca. The match, counting for the third round of the Liga Portugal Betclic against Sérgio Ferreira’s side, will be played at 8:30 p.m. at the José Alvalade Stadium.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.