Crystal Palace may look to sign 23-year-old Moroccan international Zakaria El Ouahdi from Belgian club KRC Genk if Daniel Munoz leaves next year.
According to an update by Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Zakaria El Ouahdi is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a right-back next year amid uncertainties surrounding Daniel Munoz’s long-term future. So, the 23-year-old KRC Genk wide player has emerged as a target.
The Antwerp-born full-back is also a target, but he has rejected the Merseyside club’s approach, as he wants to play for a team in the upper half of the Premier League table. That has put Crystal Palace in pole position to secure El Ouahdi’s services.
Who is Zakaria El Ouahdi?
Zakaria El Ouahdi has established himself as one of the best young prospects in the Jupiler Pro League since joining KRC Genk from RWDM Brussels in September 2023. Born in Antwerp, the youngster 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 Genk.
The 23-year-old has made nearly 100 appearances for KRC Genk thus far while chipping in with 12 goals and eight 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.
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, David Moyes’s right-back options have been unreliable. 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. However, Everton’s enquiry was unsuccessful, as “he prefers an English club that is not fighting relegation” from the top flight.
While the Toffees have made considerable progress under Moyes, the opportunity to join Crystal Palace is more appealing. With the South London club leading the race to sign the 23-year-old Moroccan international, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for him.