KRC Genk has officially secured the long-term services of Moroccan right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi, putting an end to speculation surrounding his potential departure. The 22-year-old, who joined the Belgian club in the summer of 2023, was reportedly on the radar of European giants Benfica and FC Porto during the latest transfer window. However, El Ouahdi has committed his future to Genk by signing a contract extension that will keep him at the club until June 30, 2028.
The Belgian club confirmed the news through their social media channels, signaling their intent to keep the young Moroccan defender as part of their long-term plans. El Ouahdi, known for his pace and versatility, has quickly established himself as an integral part of the squad.
Following the announcement, El Ouahdi expressed his delight with the new deal, stating, “It’s wonderful to be playing football at the moment.
We have a lot of quality in our attacking compartment. I’m happy to be able to contribute to that.”
El Ouahdi’s rise to prominence has been swift. After moving from RWD Molenbeek to KRC Genk, his performances have attracted attention from both fans and scouts across Europe.
Valued at €4.5 million according to Transfermarkt, the defender has already played in seven out of nine matches in the Jupiler Pro League this season, showcasing his reliability and consistency on the pitch.
The young Moroccan’s development at Genk has not gone unnoticed, and his performances have fueled interest from top European clubs.
Nevertheless, by extending his contract, Genk has made it clear that El Ouahdi is central to their future aspirations. His ability to contribute defensively while also supporting the attack makes him a key asset for the team.
KRC Genk’s decision to extend El Ouahdi’s contract reflects their commitment to building a squad capable of competing at the highest levels of Belgian and European football.
The club is renowned for developing young talent, and El Ouahdi is the latest in a long line of promising players to make an impact.
As he continues to develop, El Ouahdi will play a pivotal role in Genk’s quest for success. His new contract not only rewards his progress but also places him at the heart of the club’s long-term strategy.
With his future now secure, the Moroccan international can focus on helping Genk challenge for domestic honors and make their mark in European competitions.
The defender’s commitment to the club comes at a crucial time as Genk aims to build on their strong start to the season.
With El Ouahdi anchoring the defense, the team is well-positioned to achieve their goals in the Jupiler Pro League and beyond.
As the young right-back continues to develop his game, Genk will be hoping that this extension marks the beginning of a long and successful partnership.
With El Ouahdi in their ranks, the future certainly looks bright for the Belgian side.
Zakaria El Ouahdi verlengt contract bij KRC Genk tot 2028 🔵⚪#mijnploeg #krcgenk pic.twitter.com/UCAOol9Ufa
— KRC Genk (@KRCGenkofficial) September 27, 2024
