Everton have ‘expressed genuine interest’ in a deal to sign Zakaria El Ouahdi from Genk this summer.
A new story from Africa Foot claims that the Toffees are eager to sign the Morocco international to improve the right-back department for David Moyes. Crystal Palace are also interested.
The African news outlet even say El Ouahdi has already decided to leave Genk and is valued at €15m (£13m) – but who is the defender being chased by Everton? Let us take a closer look.
If you are David Moyes, who would be your starting right-back for the remainder of the season? 🤔
Everton need more in attack from their full-backs
Everton could land one of the best goalscoring defenders around in Zakaria El Ouahdi
One problem Everton have right now is a lack of goals being spread across the team. In fact, Everton have the fewest different goalscorers of any team in the Premier League so far this season (9).
That is potentially a reason for the interest in El Ouahdi. The Genk No.77 has impressively scored seven goals and provided three assists in 30 appearances this term, averaging a goal involvement every three games from right-back.
The 24-year-old’s tally of seven goals would even make him the top scorer at Everton right now, ahead of Thierno Barry who sits on six strikes.
El Ouahdi – who Everton spoke to in January – can also play on the left of defence, making eight appearances in that area in his career so far.
Transfermarkt even claim he has played a game as a striker as well.
| Position | Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right-Back | 77 | 13 | 7 |
| Right wing-back | 26 | 3 | 5 |
| Right wing | 17 | 4 | 1 |
| Left-back | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Left wing-back | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Left wing | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Striker | 1 | 0 | 0 |
El Ouahdi would also have a familiar face to help him settle in at the Hill Dickinson Stadium if a move does materialise, having played with Adam Aznou for Morocco.
Profile
- Full name: Zakaria El Ouahdi
- Age: 24
- Date of birth: 31 December 2001
- Height: 1.75m (5ft 9in)
- Nationality: Morocco
- Place of birth: Hoboken
- Club: Genk
- Position: Right-back
Honours
- 2022/23 Challenger Pro League
- Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations 2023
- 2024 Olympic Bronze Medal
- 2022/23 Challenger Pro League Best XI
- Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament 2023
- 2025 Belgian Lion Award
Do you think the Hill Dickinson Stadium is attracting better players? 🏟️
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
