Everton is reportedly interested in Genk’s right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi as they consider options for a potential summer transfer. This news has been shared by Africa Foot and cited by Transfer Feed, a French source that specializes in North African and Belgian football. The 24-year-old is said to have an asking price of around €15 million, which is approximately £12.76 million.
Everton Targets Belgium’s Top Full-Back Zakaria El Ouahdi
The situation, however, is complicated. Both Everton and AS Roma are under the Friedkin Group’s ownership. There’s also interest from Roma in the player. With Crystal Palace and PSV Eindhoven entering the race, Everton risks losing out if they don’t act quickly.
El Ouahdi had an impressive 2025/26 season in the Belgian league, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in 34 league matches, totaling nearly 3,000 minutes on the field. These numbers are remarkable for a full-back. While it is true that the Jupiler Pro League may not match the intensity of Europe’s elite leagues, his performance is commendable.
He concluded the season with an average rating of 7.35 on FotMob, indicating a consistent level of play rather than sporadic brilliance. He attempted 36 shots, successfully hitting the target 41.67% of the time. Additionally, he holds dual Belgian-Moroccan citizenship and has recently earned two caps for the senior Morocco national team.
T4O Opinion: Is El Ouahdi the Right Fit for Everton?
In terms of skill, El Ouahdi is certainly capable. His eight goals from the right-back position are a testament to his attacking prowess. He’s known for carrying the ball forward, often functioning as an additional winger for Genk. His ascent is commendable, starting at Rupel Boom, moving to RWD Molenbeek where he shone, and then transferring to Genk in 2023, constantly improving along the way.
However, the challenge lies not with the player himself but with Everton’s present circumstances.
Last season, manager David Moyes had to field Jake O’Brien as an emergency right-back, despite being a center-back by trade. This was a clear oversight by the recruitment team last summer. With Seamus Coleman moving on and Nathan Patterson struggling with form and fitness, this remains a critical issue for the squad.
While £12.76 million may seem reasonable, Everton has other alternatives worth considering. The recruitment team has scouted players like Rico Lewis, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raoul Bellanova, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, and Djed Spence. Many of these alternatives bring Premier League experience or demonstrated defensive strength against top wingers, something El Ouahdi may not offer.
Transitioning from Belgian football to the Premier League is a significant step up. While he thrives in an attacking role in Belgium, Premier League full-backs face more stringent defensive responsibilities. Moyes emphasizes defensive discipline, and it’s unclear how well El Ouahdi’s ability to track back will hold up under intense pressure. Furthermore, doubts linger about how he would handle the physical demands of certain away matches in January.
If the board decides to pursue this transfer, they must do so with a clear understanding of the challenges involved. Although the price tag is reasonable, the intensity of Premier League football is vastly different, and the connection to Friedkin and Roma adds another layer of complexity. While Brooke Norton-Cuffy appears to be a better value option now, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka would provide the immediate defensive reliability that Everton’s backline desperately needs. Although El Ouahdi has impressive potential, this transfer seems more like a move intended for the spotlight rather than addressing the pressing needs of Moyes and his squad as the new season approaches.