Hamburger SV make move for Morocco international Zakaria El Ouahdi as right-back search intensifies

Hamburger SV are negotiating with KRC Genk over a possible deal for Morocco international Zakaria El Ouahdi as the German club considers more than one option to strengthen their right-back position.

The Bundesliga club are also in discussions with Bayer 04 Leverkusen over Arthur, but there was still no agreement between the parties as of Sunday morning, according to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sport Germany.

Talks involving Hamburger SV, KRC Genk and Zakaria El Ouahdi are continuing at the same time as negotiations over Arthur. The club is therefore trying to progress both possible transfers before deciding which deal can be completed.

🚨🔷 Hamburger SV are also in parallel negotiations with Zakaria El Ouahdi from KRC Genk.As of this morning, there is still no agreement with Bayer 04 Leverkusen for Arthur.Talks are ongoing on both fronts.@SkySportDE🇲🇦pic.twitter.com/Bw9ffLC5Ce

El Ouahdi, a Morocco international born in 2001, has emerged as an alternative target for Hamburger SV during the current transfer window. The defender has also been linked with a move to AC Milan earlier this month, with Italian media reporting interest from the Serie A club.

The full-back was previously associated with PSV Eindhoven as well. Several reports claimed that PSV coach Peter Bosz wanted to bring El Ouahdi to the Netherlands during the current transfer market.

KRC Genk are understood to value El Ouahdi at between 13m and 15m euros and are holding firm on that asking price. Any offer below that figure is unlikely to satisfy the Belgian club, which could face the departure of another important player this summer.

El Ouahdi could become the second major KRC Genk talent to move to one of Europe’s leading leagues during the transfer window. Greek prospect Konstantinos Karetsas has already left the club to join Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth about 35m euros.

Hamburger SV’s interest reflects their desire to reinforce the right side of their defence, with the club continuing to work on more than one potential signing. The negotiations for El Ouahdi and Arthur remain separate, and neither transfer had been finalised at the time of Plettenberg’s report.

The latest developments mean Hamburger SV are weighing a choice between an experienced international option from Belgium and a move for Arthur from Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Discussions remain active on both fronts as the German club attempts to secure a player for the position.