Hamburg push to sign Moroccan defender Zakaria El Ouahidi from Genk

German club Hamburg have emerged as serious contenders for the signing of Moroccan international Zakaria El Ouahidi, with the Bundesliga side reportedly keen to complete a deal for the Genk right-back before the end of the current summer transfer window.

El Ouahidi has attracted growing interest across Europe following his impressive development in Belgium, and Hamburg are now attempting to bring the 24-year-old defender to Germany.

According to reports, Hamburg have already submitted two official offers to Genk in an effort to secure the Moroccan’s services.

However, both proposals have reportedly been rejected by the Belgian club, who believe the offers fall short of their financial valuation of the player.

The situation has left the transfer in a delicate position, with Hamburg now having to decide whether to return with an improved proposal that would come closer to meeting Genk’s asking price.

There is currently no indication that an agreement has been reached between the two clubs, meaning El Ouahidi’s future remains uncertain as the transfer window approaches i

The Moroccan defender still has a contract with Genk until June 2028, giving the Belgian club a strong negotiating position and no immediate pressure to sell the player below their valuation.

El Ouahidi’s performances have also attracted attention from several other prominent European clubs. Italian giants AC Milan and AS Roma have reportedly monitored his situation, while Dutch club PSV Eindhoven have also been linked with an interest in the right-back.

His growing reputation is reflected in his estimated market value. According to Transfermarkt, El Ouahidi is currently valued at around €17 million.

El Ouahidi joined Genk in September 2023 after making the move from fellow Belgian club Molenbeek.

Since arriving at Genk, the Moroccan has gradually developed into an important member of the team, establishing himself as one of the club’s key options at right-back.

His performances at club level have also helped him make progress with the Moroccan national team.

The defender has received several international opportunities with the Atlas Lions and was most recently involved at the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

His involvement on the international stage has further increased his profile and exposed him to interest from clubs outside Belgium.

At just 24, El Ouahidi remains at an important stage of his career, and a move to a bigger European league could represent another significant step in his development.

Hamburg’s interest could therefore provide him with the opportunity to test himself in a new environment, but Genk’s asking price remains the major obstacle.

The German club must now decide whether to improve its offer or walk away from the negotiations, while Genk will continue to assess its options as interest in the Moroccan international grows.

For now, El Ouahidi remains a Genk player, but with Hamburg pushing for his signature and several other European clubs monitoring his situation, his future is expected to be one of the transfer stories to watch before the window closes.