AC Milan weigh move for Genk’s Zakaria El Ouahdi as Belgian club hold firm on valuation

AC Milan are considering a move for Morocco international Zakaria El Ouahdi as they look to strengthen at right-back during the current summer transfer window.

The Italian club have identified the Genk defender as one of their leading options for the position, according to Italian transfer market journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. However, Milan have not yet made a formal offer for the 2001-born player.

Genk are understood to value El Ouahdi at between €13m and €15m. That is the figure the Belgian club are insisting on, and they do not appear willing to allow the Morocco international to leave for less.

Milan’s interest is considered genuine, with the club assessing whether to take the final step and open formal negotiations. Their need for a right-back has increased because Atikame is close to completing a move to Olympique Lyon.

If the transfer goes ahead, El Ouahdi could become the second high-profile Genk player to join one of Europe’s major clubs this summer. Greek talent Konstantinos Karetsas has already left the Belgian side for Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth about €35m.

El Ouahdi’s name had also been linked with a move to PSV Eindhoven earlier in the current transfer market. Several reports suggested that manager Peter Bosz wanted to bring the Moroccan defender to the Dutch club.

For now, that interest has not produced a confirmed move, while Milan have likewise yet to make an official approach. The Italian club’s focus on El Ouahdi nevertheless places the 2001-born full-back among the players being considered to help reshape their defensive options.

Genk’s position is clear: any agreement for El Ouahdi is expected to fall within the €13m-€15m range. Milan must therefore decide whether the defender is their preferred solution at right-back and whether to meet the valuation set by his Belgian club.

The situation remains at an assessment stage, but El Ouahdi’s possible departure would continue a busy summer for Genk. Karetsas has already secured a move to Borussia Dortmund, and Atikame is nearing a transfer to Olympique Lyon, leaving Milan’s interest as the latest indication that another of the club’s players could attract attention from a leading European side.