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
A comparison of Jake O'Brien and Nathan Patterson's goal contributions for Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport/George Wood.
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.
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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? 🏟️
Everton's Tyrique George on the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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