Crystal Palace Lining Up Move For Moroccan International Ahead Of January Window

Crystal Palace are keen on signing Moroccan international Zakaria El Ouahdi from Belgian side KRC Genk – but will face competition from Everton.

The 23-year-old right-back has attracted interest from a number of Premier League sides.

But according to reports in Belgium, Crystal Palace have emerged as the leading candidates to land his signature.

Palace are determined to bolster their defensive ranks in 2026, particularly with uncertainty over fullback Daniel Munoz’s future.

Although contracted until 2028, Colombian defender Munoz has been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park.

As a result, El Ouahdi has become a primary target for the Eagles.

Defensive reinforcements could soon be vital for Palace, with Marc Guehi’s Liverpool move also still on the cards.

Is Zakaria El Ouahdi Heading To Crystal Palace?

A move for El Ouahdi to Crystal Palace makes a lot of sense.

The defender would make an ideal replacement if Daniel Munoz does leave the club.

At 23, he still has most of his career ahead of him, and would make a great long-term option.

Everton are also thought to be very interested in signing him, though.

But the player was previously understood to prefer a move to a club fighting in the top half of the Premier League.

The Toffees have progressed significantly under David Moyes, with Everton pushing for Europe this season.

But Palace are still ahead of the Merseyside outfit on that front.

Everton won’t go away without a fight, though, and need a fullback just as badly.

With Seamus Coleman well past his best and Nathan Patterson struggling with injuries and poor form, Moyes has very few options at right-back.

But it’s Palace that are leading the race as it stands, and look best placed to land El Ouadhi.

Who is Zakaria El Ouahdi?

Born in Antwerp to parents of Moroccan descent, Zakaria El Ouahdi has become one of the top young talents in the Belgian league.

He joined Genk from RWDM Brussels in 2023, and has made 85 appearances for his current club.

In that time, he’s registered 12 goals and eight assists and has been capped six times by the Moroccan senior team.

An attack-minded fullback with excellent dribbling ability, his crossing is also noteworthy.

⛩️ | Niet één, maar twee panna’s van Zakaria El Ouahdi! ‍✨ #CrokyCup pic.twitter.com/UHDDUiDNcP

— DAZN België (@DAZN_BENL) December 4, 2025

El Ouahdi has an excellent work-rate on both sides of the ball, and is not afraid to make a challenge or get stuck in defensively.

His progress has been steady and very impressive, leading to attention from some big clubs.

It feels like a matter of when, not if, he makes it to a top-five European League.

Where he ends up next is uncertain, but Crystal Palace look like the overwhelming favourites to secure his long-term services.