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 this year. 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 advanced their talks to sign the Antwerp-born full-back. While the Eagles are “the most pressing club” in the battle for El Ouahdi’s services, the Toffees have “a more cautious approach at this stage of negotiations” for his signature.
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. The Antwerp native 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 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.
Crystal Palace’s interest in Zakaria El Ouahdi makes sense. The Eagles are in a spot of bother over Daniel Munoz’s long-term future amid his links with several high-profile clubs. Additionally, the Colombian international has been in the treatment room in recent weeks. 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 for Everton.
The latest report has revealed that Crystal Palace and Everton have advanced their talks to sign the 24-year-old Moroccan international. While the Eagles are “the most pressing club” in the battle for El Ouahdi’s services, the Toffees have “a more cautious approach at this stage of negotiations” for El Ouahdi’s signature. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for him.
