Everton and Crystal Palace are both pressing ahead in their attempts to sign KRC Genk defender Zakaria El Ouahdi this month following a recent update, according to a report.
El Ouahdi, who received his first senior call-up for Morocco earlier this year, is a gifted right-back noted for his strong attacking threat, with his skill set also allowing him to operate as a right-sided winger on occasion.
The 24-year-old has spent his entire professional career in Belgium to date and is currently a regular starter in the top flight with KRC Genk, who recently booked Europa League football after an impressive third-place finish last season.
El Ouahdi could be allowed to leave in January:
Africa Foot previously suggested that Everton and Crystal Palace could position themselves as leading candidates to land El Ouahdi.
Those claims have since been reinforced by Het Laatste Nieuws, who report that the interest is genuine. Bundesliga outfit VfB Stuttgart are also believed to be involved, with the publication stating that the player is ‘on the verge’ of completing a move this month, although no clear frontrunner has yet been named.
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported back in December that Genk are willing to approve a sale during this transfer window and have placed a €10–12m valuation on the defender. That figure would equate to a maximum of roughly £10.4m if accurate.
Why Everton and Crystal Palace are interested in rising talent El Ouahdi:
Everton are currently short of natural options at right-back due to Seamus Coleman’s ongoing injury issues, which has seen centre-half Jake O’Brien frequently used as a stand-in full-back.
Meanwhile, Nathan Patterson has struggled to fully convince David Moyes, while Adam Aznou is viewed more comfortably on the left side.
The Toffees are keen to strengthen in that position as they look to enhance their chances of pushing for a European place, with El Ouahdi identified as a player capable of making a meaningful impact.
This season, El Ouahdi has registered four goals and one assist from 20 appearances. He also enjoyed a standout individual campaign last term in Belgium, contributing eight goals and four assists across 40 matches.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are also monitoring the situation as they seek to reinforce their squad for the latter stages of the season. The FA Cup holders have endured difficulties in the Premier League following Daniel Munoz’s injury at wing-back and are believed to be searching for reliable cover for the 29-year-old, particularly with Nathaniel Clyne’s recent form coming under scrutiny.