Belgian footballer Zeno Debast will strengthen Sporting with a five-season contract until June 30, 2029 and a buyout clause of 80 million euros (ME), the national champions said on Thursday.
“Zeno Debast is a reinforcement for Portuguese Sporting. The 20-year-old central defender arrives in Alvalade from Anderlecht and has signed a contract until 2029 with a release clause of 80 ME,” the Lions wrote in a statement.
According to information sent to the Securities Market Commission (CMVM), Sporting “has definitively acquired the sporting rights of Zeno Cohen Debast for a fixed sum of 15.55 ME, to which up to 5.5 ME may be added subject to verification of individual and collective objectives.”
Anderlecht “reserved the right to receive an amount corresponding to 15% of the added value of the future transfer, with this percentage being subject to reduction to 10% at Sporting’s discretion.”
Having signed for the Portuguese champions, the young centre-back expressed his delight at representing Sporting, an “incredible club”.
“Everything has happened very quickly for me in the last few months and for a club like Sporting to be interested in me is like a dream. So I am very happy to be part of this team and I am looking forward to starting my career. My first impressions are great. It is an amazing country and city and an incredible club,” he said, as quoted by the Lisbon team.
When asked about the playing style of Ruben Amorim’s team, the new reinforcement said he is ready to play in any system and anywhere.
“I played on the three last year too and I feel good playing on either side of the defense. [Rúben Amorim] He explained the project to me and what was expected of me, starting with hard work. I am looking forward to the new season and starting working here,” he admitted.
Finally, the new “Lyonin” number 6 promised to give “everything in the new house”, so he “can hardly” wait for the first game in front of the fans.
Debast, 20, who represented Belgium at Euro 2024 in two matches, joins Sporting after three seasons at Anderlecht, the club where he completed his apprenticeship.
The defender made 40 appearances for Anderlecht last season after becoming a regular in the previous season, playing 49 games.
Speaking to Belgian newspaper HNL, Debast has already confirmed his move to the Lions, showing enthusiasm for the Champions League and the fight to restore the Portuguese title.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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