Bayer Leverkusen are pursuing KRC Genk winger Zakaria El Ouahdi as a potential reinforcement at right-back, according to a report in Kicker.de. The 24-year-old Moroccan international has impressed in the Belgian Pro League, prompting interest from several clubs including VfL Wolfsburg and VfB Stuttgart.
El Ouahdi joined Genk from RWDM Brussels in 2023 for a reported €2.5million and has quickly become a key player, making 112 appearances and contributing 32 goals for the Belgian side. His ability to contribute offensively from a wide position aligns with Leverkusen’s apparent desire for a more attack-minded full-back, as outlined by Kicker.de. The club is reportedly seeking a player who can offer more in the final third.
He featured briefly for Morocco at the 2022 World Cup, appearing as a substitute for Achraf Hakimi during their quarter-final defeat against France. This international experience adds to his profile as a player with potential for further development. Transfermarkt.com currently values El Ouahdi at €17million.
Interest from the Bundesliga is not new, with Wolfsburg reportedly expressing interest last summer and Stuttgart making inquiries as recently as January. However, Leverkusen’s pursuit is currently contingent on the outcome of their efforts to sign Facundo Medina from Marseille. Should that deal fall through, El Ouahdi is expected to become a primary target for Xabi Alonso’s side. Securing El Ouahdi would provide Leverkusen with another dynamic attacking option and further strengthen their squad as they compete on multiple fronts.
