KRC Genk will reportedly demand around €15 million to part ways with 24-year-old Moroccan international Zakaria El Ouahdi in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by Africa Foot, Crystal Palace and Everton are interested in Zakaria El Ouahdi. The two Premier League clubs are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a right-back in the summer transfer window. So, the 24-year-old KRC Genk wide player has emerged as a target for them.

The latest report has revealed that Crystal Palace and Everton have expressed “genuine interest” in the Antwerp-born full-back. Meanwhile, KRC Genk will demand around €15 million to part ways with El Ouahdi, with PSV Eindhoven and VfB Stuttgart also keen on signing him.

Who is Zakaria El Ouahdi?

Zakaria El Ouahdi has established himself as one of the most dependable full-backs in the Jupiler Pro League since joining KRC Genk from RWDM Brussels in September 2023. Born in Antwerp, the player spent his formative years in Belgium, passing through the academies at Beerschot, Chase Antwerpen, Zulte Waregem, Berchem Sport, and Rupel Boom. However, he has risen in prominence at KRC Genk.

The 24-year-old has made nearly 100 appearances for KRC Genk thus far while chipping in with 15 goals and nine assists. Meanwhile, El Ouahdi’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Crystal Palace and Everton are among the prospective suitors vying for the Moroccan international’s signature heading into the summer transfer window.

Premier League move on the horizon?

Crystal Palace’s interest in Zakaria El Ouahdi is understandable. The Eagles are in a spot of bother over Daniel Munoz’s long-term future amid his links with several high-profile clubs. Several candidates have thus emerged on Crystal Palace’s radar, with El Ouahdi also a viable target.

As for Everton, the Merseyside club wanted to sign El Ouahdi in the winter transfer window, but a move did not materialise. David Moyes’s right-back options have been unreliable, as Seamus Coleman is in the twilight of his career, while Nathan Patterson has struggled with fitness issues throughout his spell with the Merseyside club. El Ouahdi is thus an option worth considering for Everton.

The latest report has revealed that KRC Genk will demand around €15 million to part ways with the 24-year-old Moroccan international. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace and Everton will face stiff competition from PSV Eindhoven and VfB Stuttgart for his signature. It will be interesting to see if they are ready to pay €15 million to beat the competition to his signature.