Crystal Palace and Everton will be more attractive destinations to Genk defender Zakaria El Ouahdi than PSV Eindhoven this summer.
That’s according to Michiel Vercauteren, via Voetbal Primeur. As far as he’s concerned, a move to PSV this summer is not the step up that the 24-year-old is looking for this summer.
He has suitors in the Premier League, with reports linking several sides with a potential move.
Everton and Crystal Palace, in particular, are at the front of the queue for him. Sport Witness have covered their interest extensively.
Everton and Crystal Palace
Both sides were heavily linked throughout the January transfer window. Indeed, a report on the 9th had both sides in advanced talks for the defender.
A deal didn’t happen for either but a report on the 27th of February indicated Crystal Palace were continuing to push. A report last week then stated that El Ouahdi could be available for as little as €15m this summer.
That stated that PSV Eindhoven were also keen. In fact, it presented the Dutch champion as the side pushing the most for the defender at this moment in time. It seems that they are keen to beat the competition.
It was also made clear that El Ouahdi is eyeing up a move as he wants to take the next step in his career. The question is whether he sees switching Belgium for the Netherlands as an adequate step up.
Better options than PSV
Vercauteren doubts that it is. And, as far as he’s concerned, El Ouahdi should think about it carefully. He could have Everton, Crystal Palace or other, better options.
“Do you want to become champions in the Netherlands or play for sixth or seventh place in the Premier League?” he said.
“The difference between a top team in Belgium and a top team in the Netherlands isn’t big enough. The Belgian clubs have already closed that gap.
“I don’t understand why the Dutch clubs are still held in higher regard. PSV may be a step up from KRC Genk, but not the same step up it was 30 years ago.
“And I’m not saying Real Madrid will sign him now. But the teams that would sign him from PSV will also do so from Genk.”