Zakaria El Ouahdi: Morocco-Belgium right-back at Genk linked with Roma move

Zakaria El Ouahdi, the Morocco-Belgium right-back currently at Genk, is being linked with a move to Serie A side Roma as the Italian club explore options at full-back this summer. The 24-year-old is under contract with the Belgian side until 30 June 2028, meaning any deal is likely to require a substantial fee, with his current valuation at around €17m.

El Ouahdi has emerged as one of Genk’s key performers, starting every match in the recent Jupiler Pro League Europe play-offs and contributing one goal and three assists across 10 games, while rarely being substituted. His attacking output from defence has also translated to Europe, where he has scored four times in nine Europa League appearances in his career.

Born in Hoboken and standing at 1.71m, the right-footed defender joined Genk from RWDM in September 2023 for €2.5m and has since established himself as a regular in the first team. His performances have coincided with a sharp rise in his valuation from under €1m at the time of that move to his current career-high figure.

On the international stage, El Ouahdi has already collected honours with Morocco’s youth sides, including winning the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations in 2023 before helping Morocco’s Olympic team secure third place at the 2024 Games. Those displays have added to his reputation as a defender capable of performing in high-stakes matches.

While Roma’s interest has not progressed to an agreement, El Ouahdi remains tied to Genk for another two seasons beyond this one, leaving the Belgian club in a strong position should formal negotiations begin.