Zakaria El Ouahdi has reportedly reached a contractual agreement with a Bundesliga club as talks intensify over a potential summer move away from Belgian side Genk.
According to French media reports, the Moroccan international has agreed to personal terms on a four-year deal, with an optional fifth season, with German outfit Wolfsburg.
The 23-year-old right-back, who recently made his senior debut for Morocco in a 1-0 friendly win over Benin on 9 June, has attracted significant attention following two consistent seasons in the Belgian Pro League.
El Ouahdi joined Genk after developing through the ranks at RWDM, and over the past two campaigns has amassed approximately 50 appearances, contributing 8 goals and 6 assists from a defensive position.
His pace, attacking instinct, and growing tactical maturity have earned him recognition as one of Africa’s top emerging talents in European football.
The Wolfsburg interest appears to be serious, with the German side now leading the race to secure his signature. While Stade Rennais were previously reported to be monitoring the player, their attention has reportedly shifted to Polish international Przemysław Frankowski, currently with Galatasaray.
That shift has allowed Wolfsburg to accelerate negotiations with the player’s representatives.
French outlet Foot Mercato claims that Wolfsburg, who finished 11th in the Bundesliga last season, have made El Ouahdi a priority signing in their summer recruitment drive. The Moroccan is understood to have accepted the German club’s proposal in principle, pending final agreement between the clubs.
The key remaining hurdle in the deal is an agreement on the transfer fee. Genk are believed to be holding out for €12 million, while Wolfsburg are preparing to table an offer in the region of €9 million in the coming days.
Although there remains a gap between the two valuations, the relatively narrow margin has fuelled optimism that a compromise could be reached soon.
El Ouahdi, who also earned a bronze medal with Morocco at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has three years remaining on his current deal with Genk.
The Belgian side, while open to negotiations, are unlikely to sanction the transfer without what they deem a fair market valuation.
Nevertheless, with the player keen on the move and terms already agreed on the personal side, pressure may mount on Genk to conclude the deal.
The potential move would mark the third club of El Ouahdi’s professional career and his first experience in German football.
It also stands as one of the more closely watched transfers involving African players during the 2025 summer window, underlining the growing profile of Moroccan internationals in Europe’s top leagues.
Should the transfer be finalized, El Ouahdi would follow in the footsteps of several Moroccan players who have successfully transitioned to the Bundesliga, and would provide Wolfsburg with a dynamic option at right-back ahead of the new season. For now, negotiations continue as both clubs weigh their next steps.
