According to The Standard, Zakaria El Ouahdi is of interest to Crystal Palace as they seek a cover for the right wing-back position. Injuries to Daniel Munoz and Nathaniel Clyne have seen the Eagles target a player in the position, with the Genk star also being chased by Everton this month.
Zakaria El Ouahdi is garnering plenty of interest in the market with at least three clubs keen on signing the right back this month. Having garnered a reputation for being an attacking full-back at Genk, where he has four goals and one assist in 14 league games this term, atleast two Premier League teams are keen
Chief among them are Crystal Palace, who are without a recognised right-back at the moment following the injuries to Daniel Munoz and Nathaniel Clyne. The former has been out for a while following a surgery to his knee, while the latter suffered an abductor injury recently.
Crystal Palace are interested in Zakaria El Ouahdi, as an option for the troubled right wing-back slot, especially should they miss the aforementioned duo for a longer period. Even then, Clyne could be phased out soon enough, and the club will need competition for Munoz in the wide role. They have already ruled out a move for Bayern Munich’s Sacha Boey, and the Genk star could be their top target at the moment.
The 24-year-old is reportedly keen on joining Crystal Palace, but talks are not advanced with Genk at the moment. El Ouahdi is contracted to the Belgian outfit until 2028, meaning they are in a good position to demand a decent fee, and could cite the competition in the market to justify their demands.
Crystal Palace are not the only team interested in El Ouahdi, as HLN reports that Everton are also in the mix. The Toffees are in the market for a new right-back with links to Juanlu Sanchez among others. David Moyes feels short in the position, especially due to Jake O’Brien playing most minutes there, while there are considerable fitness doubts with veteran Seamus Coleman.
Meanwhile, the 24-year-old wide man has been angling for a bigger move for some time now, and this month, an opportunity could present itself. For now, Palace are seen as the front runners for Zakaria El Ouahdi, although Everton may also chase him in a big way, as much will depend on Genk’s asking price for the Moroccan international.
