Morocco defender Zakaria El Ouahdi attracts AC Milan interest after impressive Genk season

AC Milan are reportedly monitoring Morocco international Zakaria El Ouahdi as they consider options to strengthen the right side of their defence ahead of the new season.

The 24-year-old Genk full-back has emerged as a potential target for the Italian giants, with his performances in Belgium attracting attention following an impressive 2025-26 campaign.

According to Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Milan are considering El Ouahdi if Zachary Athekame completes his expected move to Olympique Lyonnais.

El Ouahdi impresses in Belgium

Milan are understood to be assessing several players for the position, but El Ouahdi has reportedly caught the club’s attention because of his consistency and attacking contribution from defence.

The Moroccan enjoyed a productive season with Genk, making 43 appearances across all competitions, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists.

His numbers were particularly impressive in the Belgian Pro League, where he scored eight times and supplied four assists in 34 matches.

Those figures have established El Ouahdi as one of the league’s most effective attacking defenders, while his pace and ability to contribute in the final third have added to his appeal.

Morocco international in demand

El Ouahdi’s performances have also strengthened his international profile after being included in Morocco’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He made one appearance at the tournament, coming on as a late substitute for Anass Salah-Eddine during Morocco’s quarter-final defeat by France.

At club level, El Ouahdi remains contracted to Genk until June 2028, with his transfer value reportedly estimated between €13 million and €15 million.

Milan’s interest is yet to develop into a formal offer, while neither the Italian club nor Genk has publicly commented on the reports.

For Morocco, the reported interest represents another sign of the growing demand for players from the Atlas Lions’ recent World Cup generation, with El Ouahdi now potentially in line for a move to one of Europe’s most historic clubs.