Moncef Zekri joins Sporting Lisbon, Bilal El Khannouss eyed by Newcastle
Moroccan defender Moncef Zekri has officially joined Sporting Lisbon, expressing pride in joining the club that developed his idol, Nuno Mendes. The 17-year-old, who was part of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 winning team, has a release clause of 80 million euros in his contract. Zekri stated his intention to work hard and follow in the footsteps of players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Nuno Mendes, who also emerged from Sporting CP. Meanwhile, another Moroccan player, Bilal El Khannouss, an attacking midfielder for VfB Stuttgart, is reportedly being closely monitored by Newcastle United. If a transfer materializes, El Khannouss could join Ayyoub Bouaddi, who recently moved to Manchester City, in the Premier League.