Premier League clubs circle for Morocco defender El Ouahidi

Moroccan international Zakaria El Ouahidi has emerged as one of the most sought-after full-backs ahead of the summer transfer window, with Brentford leading the race after submitting an initial offer for the highly rated defender.

The KRC Genk right-back has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, with Crystal Palace and Everton closely monitoring his situation.

El Ouahidi’s rise has been fueled by his outstanding performances in the Belgian league, where he has consistently showcased a complete skill set. Known for his attacking thrust, defensive awareness, and tactical intelligence, the 22-year-old has developed into one of Europe’s most promising right-backs. His ability to influence play in both halves of the pitch has made him a perfect fit for the intensity and demands of English football.

Brentford currently appear to be the frontrunners in the race, having identified El Ouahidi through a data-driven recruitment strategy. The club’s interest is rooted in his impressive attacking metrics, including expected assists (xA), ball progression, and chance creation — all key indicators that align with their analytical model for recruitment.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are keeping a close eye on the situation as they prepare for a possible departure of Daniel Muñoz. The Eagles have reportedly scouted El Ouahidi multiple times this season and see him as a natural successor should they need to reinforce their defensive line.

Everton, on the other hand, are also in the market for a reliable right-back, prioritizing physicality and endurance — attributes that El Ouahidi has demonstrated consistently throughout the campaign.

Despite the growing interest, Genk remain firm in their valuation. The Belgian side is under no pressure to sell, with the player contracted until June 2028. They are demanding a minimum fee of €25 million, which could rise to €30 million with performance-related bonuses.

Brentford’s opening bid is understood to be €15 million, plus an additional €6 million in add-ons, alongside a proposed weekly salary of £45,000 for the player. However, negotiations are still ongoing, and no agreement has been reached at this stage.

Beyond England, interest is also building from top European sides, including Benfica and Olympique Marseille, raising the possibility of a late twist in the transfer saga.

With multiple clubs circling and his stock continuing to rise, El Ouahidi looks set to become one of the most expensive defensive exports from Belgium in recent years. The coming weeks could prove decisive in determining whether Brentford can secure an early deal or if a bidding war will push his value even higher.