Sporting CP targets Moroccan prospect Moncef Zekri

Sporting CP is targeting 17-year-old Moroccan left-back Moncef Zekri as a potential successor to Maxi Araújo. Zekri, who currently plays for Mechelen in Belgium, is viewed as a long-term prospect for the club's defensive line.

Reports indicate Sporting may be willing to pay approximately 3.5 million euros plus performance-based bonuses to secure the player. While some sources suggest an agreement with the Belgian club has already been reached, other reports indicate that a formal understanding has not yet been confirmed. Zekri, who was born in Brussels and represented Morocco in their U-17 Africa Cup of Nations victory, has attracted interest from other European clubs, including Ajax and Bayer Leverkusen. He recently extended his contract with Mechelen until June 2028.