Everton's Interest in Zakaria El Ouahdi
In an intriguing development, Everton Football Club is reportedly eyeing Genk's right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi as they prepare for a potential summer transfer. This news originates from Africa Foot, a French-language platform renowned for its coverage of North African and Belgian football, and has been echoed by Transfer Feed. The 24-year-old defender comes with an estimated price tag of around €15 million, which is approximately £12.76 million in British currency. El Ouahdi's impressive performance in the Belgian Pro League during the 2025/26 season has certainly caught the attention of several clubs, including AS Roma and Crystal Palace, suggesting that Everton must act swiftly to secure his signature before a bidding war ensues.
El Ouahdi had a standout season, contributing significantly to his team's efforts with eight goals and four assists over the course of 34 league matches. His total playing time of 2,991 minutes underscores his importance to Genk. While the Jupiler Pro League may not match the elite levels of other top European leagues, his output is remarkable for a full-back. Furthermore, he has recently earned two caps for the Moroccan national team, showcasing his rising profile in international football.
Assessing the Fit for Everton
Despite El Ouahdi's evident talent and contributions to his team, one must question whether he would be the right fit for Everton's current squad dynamics. While his ability to score from the right-back position is commendable, the reality at Everton is more complex. Last season, manager David Moyes frequently deployed Jake O'Brien, a center-back, in the right-back role, indicating a significant gap in the team's defensive lineup. With Seamus Coleman having departed and Nathan Patterson struggling to maintain a starting position due to injuries, the need for a dependable right-back is urgent.
Although the price of £12.76 million may appear reasonable on paper, Everton's recruitment team is exploring various options. Players like Rico Lewis, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raoul Bellanova, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, and Djed Spence are all being considered, many of whom bring Premier League experience and proven defensive capabilities that El Ouahdi has yet to demonstrate. The challenge of adapting from the Belgian league to the Premier League is significant; the physicality and pace of England's top flight are unmatched, and Moyes prioritizes defensive discipline, an area where El Ouahdi's abilities remain unproven. If the board decides to proceed with this acquisition, it is essential they do so with full awareness of the differences in competition intensity and potential challenges El Ouahdi may face. While he possesses a high ceiling as a player, this transfer could be more about enhancing the club's image rather than fulfilling immediate team needs.
As reported by sports.yahoo.com.
