Sporting on alert! Zekri injuries force Varandas to act before go-ahead | OneFootball

Sporting are getting closer and closer to securing Moncef Zekri, a 17-year-old left-back from Mechelen, but the Lions’ SAD want to make sure the Morocco youth international is physically fit before moving forward definitively. The player’s recent injury record has led the club to bring forward a series of medical tests to assess his condition.

The wide player featured in 17 official matches during the 2025/26 season, but ended up missing 14 games due to physical problems. In January, he was sidelined for three matches with a muscle injury, while at the end of the season he suffered a traumatic injury that forced him out again.

Despite the doubts, everything indicates that Sporting are indeed looking to complete the signing of the youngster in a deal worth €3.5 million, plus an additional amount dependent on meeting certain objectives. The full-back is also said to have already reached an agreement with the Lions on a five-season contract.

Rui Borges preferred not to confirm the name: “I’m not going to comment on Moncef [Zekri]. So many full-backs have already been mentioned... We want a left-back and to understand what the market can offer us. On the one hand, sometimes we want a young player, then we might even want another [profile]. It’s about understanding, within what the market is offering us. Whether it’s a younger or more experienced player... We’re working on it!” the coach said.

The young Moroccan, who turns 18 on September 20, has been training with Mechelen despite not being called up by Frédéric Vanderbiest. However, Sporting want guarantees regarding the player’s physical condition, which is why the early medical tests are now of particular importance.

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