Everton Leading The Race For Highly-Rated Moroccan International

Everton are in advanced talks to sign Genk right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi during the January transfer window.

The 24-year-old, who has been capped once by Morocco, has attracted attention from several top clubs.

Everton have been monitoring El Ouahdi for some time, and have now stepped up their interest in the defender.

Born in Belgium, El Ouahdi came through the academy at Rupel Boom, before joining RWDM in 2021.

Two years later, he made the switch to Juliper Pro League side Genk, where has had made 87 first team appearances.

El Ouahdi has long been linked with a move to Merseyside, but Everton will face stiff competition.

Portuguese club Benfica are also reported to be pursuing the right-back, who is thought to be keen on an exit.

Any transfer for the Moroccan is expected to cost around £12 million.

Everton Must Battle Crystal Palace For Zakaria El Ouahdi Signing

Injuries have left David Moyes reliant on centre-back Jake O’Brien to fill in for much of this season.

Everton are in clear need of reinforcements, and El Ouahdi fits the bill.

Sources close to the players have suggested the Toffees are in advanced negotiations.

However, Premier League rivals Crystal Palace have also been in contact.

️Everton have interest in Genk Right Back, Zakaria El Ouahdi. Crystal Palace have made progress in talks. The Moroccan international is likely to cost around £12M

(Source – @ed_aarons ) pic.twitter.com/I84RnLYKjx

— (@EvertonNewsFeed) January 7, 2026

It is not yet clear which club El Ouahdi would prefer, with no decision yet made.

The defender has made a blistering start to this season, scoring four goals and adding an assist in 14 league games.

He is keen on a Premier League move, and wants stability and the chance to push for European football.

Both Palace and Everton can offer this, so it remains to be seen where he will end up.

David Moyes Targets January Signings As European Ambitions Grow

Although 12th in the table, this season’s congested mid-table means Everton are well in the European fight.

Despite two Everton red cards costing them victory at the weekend, just three points separate the Toffees in 12th from sixth-placed Newcastle United.

Everton and David Moyes are therefore keen to bring in some new additions this window.

Everton are interested in Genk right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi, the 24-year-old Morocco international is likely to cost around £12m [@ed_aarons] pic.twitter.com/UBf4ij47VE

— EFC DAILY (@EFCdaily_) January 7, 2026

A few loan signings are expected, while opportunities such as signing El Ouadhi will be taken where possible.

Expectations have shifted at the club, with European football now a serious ambition once again.

Moyes is leading a long-term project at the club, one which may yet tempt the liked of El Ouadhi to join.

Depth and competition are vital in any squad, but become especially important when fighting on multiple fronts.

If Everton are serious about returning to continental competition, they need to bolster their ranks with statement signings such as this.