Everton
Everton and Roma could find themselves going head-to-head in the transfer market this summer, with both clubs eyeing right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi.
Africa Foot report that the two Friedkin owned clubs have the 24-year-old on their list for this summer.
The outlet reports exclusive information, stating that Roma have placed Zakaria El Ouahdi high on their list of priorities as they look to strengthen at right-back this summer.
The Italian club’s management are particularly impressed by the Moroccan international, whose performances in Belgium with Genk have earned him admirers around Europe.
But they face potential competition, perhaps from within their own ranks. According to Africa Foot’s information, Everton are also one of the sides keeping a close eye on the Atlas Lion. Crystal Palace and PSV Eindhoven are also watching the right-back closely.
Aware of the growing interest in their player, Genk have no intention of letting him go for just any price.
The Belgian club have set an asking price of Belgian club have set an asking price of €15m on the player. They believe that reflects both his development and his importance to the squad.
€17m valuation
Transfermarkt currently value the defender at €17m. But this summer he enters the final two years of his deal, meaning Genk have to sell this year or risk losing him for less next summer.
Genk are set for a profit either way. They paid €2.5m for him in September 2023. In the three years since, he’s enjoyed a ‘remarkable rise to prominence’, establishing himself as first choice. Last season he had 12 goals and six assists in 45 games in all competitions.
At this moment in time, neither Everton nor Roma have made an official bid. But the interested parties are ‘stepping up their enquiries’ and that could lead to a bidding war.
For now, Genk are waiting for the first bids. But the belief is that they might not be long in coming.