Crystal Palace are among the clubs keen on securing KRC Genk defender Zakaria El Ouahdi during the winter window.
On January 8, Het Laatste Nieuws reported that Oliver Glasner’s team hold firm interest in the right-back, adding that he could be close to switching clubs this month.
A day later, Africa Foot claimed Crystal Palace were already in advanced negotiations over a deal for the 24-year-old. They also noted that the Jupiler Pro League outfit are willing to offload the player in January for a fee in the region of €10–12m.
Everton and Benfica are likewise monitoring the Moroccan’s situation. Monday’s edition of Het Belang van Limburg featured an interview with the full-back, where he was questioned about the growing transfer speculation.
Daniel Muñoz is currently the first-choice right-back at Selhurst Park but has been sidelined with a knee injury since early December. Caleb Kporha has yet to appear this campaign due to fitness issues. As a result, Glasner is left with 34-year-old Nathaniel Clyne as his sole recognised option in that position.
El Ouahdi could represent a solution for the FA Cup holders this month. HBVL directly quizzed him on the rumours connecting him with Everton, VfB Stuttgart and Crystal Palace in particular, especially given Muñoz’s injury.
Reacting to that, he said: “[Smiles] You’re right: ‘according to the rumour mill.’ I’ll leave those things to my father, who can now fully focus on my future. If there’s anything concrete, I’ll hear about it. But it won’t affect my focus.”
Crystal Palace target unfazed by PL transfer:
The newspaper then pushed the defender on whether he feels prepared to step up to a top division. He was asked if the idea of a Premier League move intimidates him.
“No. For me, the Premier League and La Liga in Spain are the two best leagues in the world. If the opportunity truly arises to play football there, I’m open to it,” El Ouahdi explained.
“I realise it’s not easy to succeed at the highest level, but that doesn’t deter me. Because even if it doesn’t work out, you can always bounce back. Take one or even two steps back and then climb back up. That’s how I am. But again: we’re not there yet. Right now, I’m completely focused on KRC Genk. I’m looking forward to climbing back up the table together.”
That stance will offer encouragement to Crystal Palace as they consider making a move for him during this transfer window.