Everton and Crystal Palace are monitoring Genk right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi, ahead of a possible €15m summer move. However, leading Belgian analysts believe Premier League clubs should proceed with caution.
While his attacking output continues to impress, they believe his defensive flaws could become a major problem in the Premier League.
El Ouahdi underlined his attacking quality again at the weekend, scoring a stunning winner against STVV to keep Genk’s Champions’ Play-Off hopes alive.
It was his sixth goal of the season, a superb return from a right-back to say the least. That performance, and goal, will surely have been noted by the English clubs watching him.
Everton and Crystal Palace tracking Genk right-back
Everton and Crystal Palace are among them, with a report at the end of February explaining they could be offered a €15m opportunity.
But according to Hein Vanhaezebrouck and Franky Van der Elst, the hype needs balance. They’ve been speaking to Sporz about the Genk star.
Vanhaezebrouck didn’t hold back when assessing the 20‑year‑old’s readiness for a major move.
Belgian analysts raise Premier League concerns
“If you want to be the best of the last 25 years, you must not only be able to attack and score goals, you must also be able to defend,” he said.
“And that is a problem with El Ouahdi. He allows himself to be neutralised too easily defensively. He also frequently makes the wrong decisions.”
He’s willing to acknowledge the upside, though, labelling the defender as “one of the better players offensively in his position”. But he warned that a jump to a stronger league will expose his weaknesses unless he improves significantly.
How El Ouahdi compares to Daniel Muñoz
Franky van der Elst echoed that sentiment, even questioning whether El Ouahdi is better than his predecessor Daniel Muñoz. The Colombian, of course, is Crystal Palace’s current first choice right-back.
“Is he better than Muñoz?” he asked.
“He is a fantastic player and his goal was very skilful. He’s a player who brings a lot to that team, but the sum of his parts does not make him the best full‑back, not even in Genk’s history.”
That’s a comparison which Everton and Crystal Palace may take notice of. Muñoz adapted well and is now a Premier League star, but the analysts question whether El Ouahdi would be able to do the same.
Is a €15m move still worth the risk?
Despite their concerns, both analysts agreed on one thing; El Ouahdi will earn a big move away from Genk this summer.
“It is expected he will make a nice transfer,” Vanhaezebrouck said.
“But I don’t think the absolute top clubs are going to come and get him. Muñoz is quite a bit bigger than him. In terms of tackling ability and aerial duels, which is not unimportant for a right‑back. He won’t be a target for the big clubs in England.”
That, potentially, puts Everton and Crystal Palace in the right bracket. Ambitious, mid-table sides looking for value and upside. Indeed, the pair have been presented as a better option for the full-back earlier this month.
What this means for Everton and Crystal Palace
Both clubs are looking for dynamic full-backs who can contribute in the final third. El Ouahdi fits the bill perfectly, but the analysts’ warnings should be noted.
At €15m he could be a bargain, however, he’d also be a project that needs time and protection. His talent is undeniable, yet he is still raw and has weaknesses. A summer move looks inevitable, but the pundit pair want suitors to be aware of what they’re getting first.
