Hamburg bolster Bundesliga defence with Zakaria El Ouahdi signing

Moroccan-Belgian right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi has joined Hamburg from Genk for €8m, completing a move that takes the 24-year-old into the Bundesliga.

El Ouahdi has signed a contract with Hamburg until 30 June 2031 and will wear the German club’s number seven shirt. The full-back moves after three seasons with Genk, where he established himself as a regular on the right side of defence.

He had started all four of Genk’s Jupiler Pro League matches in the 2026-27 season before switching clubs, playing 337 minutes and providing one assist. His final appearance for the Belgian side came as his transfer to Hamburg was completed on 1 September.

The move gives Hamburg a defender with experience of Belgian top-flight football and a record of international success with Morocco at youth and Olympic level. El Ouahdi was part of Morocco’s Under-23 side that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023 and the Olympic team that finished third at the 2024 Games.

Born in Hoboken, Belgium, El Ouahdi has Moroccan and Belgian nationality. He began his senior career with Rupel Boom before moving to RWDM in January 2021. He helped RWDM win the Belgian second tier and secure promotion to the first division during the 2022-23 season.

Genk brought him to the club in September 2023 for €2.5m, giving him his opportunity at a higher level of Belgian football. His performances there have now earned him a move to Hamburg, who will compete in Germany’s top flight.

El Ouahdi is a right-footed defender whose preferred position is right-back. He joins Hamburg with a market value of €17m and a long-term contract that keeps him at the club through the end of June 2031.

The transfer was completed on 1 September, with El Ouahdi leaving Genk after three years and becoming a Hamburg player for an €8m fee.