Sporting spent millions on signing, but still can't use him: one snag | OneFootball

Sporting are still awaiting the completion of the registration of Moncef Zekri, a new signing brought in from Mechelen for €3 million. The 17-year-old left-back is already working with Rui Borges’ squad, but the process with the League is proving to be more time-consuming because of his age.

As a minor, he is subject to additional bureaucratic procedures, namely the involvement of FIFA, which is why the winger’s name is not yet on the official list of players registered for the league. Even so, the process is underway, and both the Club and the player are protected under the regulations.

Zekri initially signed a contract valid until June 2029. The shorter length of the deal is precisely because he is still under 18, since the law does not allow a minor, in this context, to sign a five-season contract. The defender turns 18 on September 20 and, at that point, is expected to extend his deal by a further two years, keeping him tied to the Lions until 2031.

The new number 18 was signed to strengthen a position that was left short after Ricardo Mangas’ departure to Monza. Rui Borges currently has Maxi Araújo as his main option on the left side of defence, but he sees Zekri as a player for the present and, above all, for the future.

At 17, the Moroccan is viewed at Alvalade as a high-potential prospect and as a possible successor to the Uruguayan, whose departure could come next summer. Sporting hope to complete the registration in time for the player to be available for domestic and European competitions.

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