Hamburger SV Pursue Genk's Zakaria El Ouahdi
Hamburger SV have an agreement in place with Zakaria El Ouahdi – now they just need to convince Genk to open the door.
HLN report that the Moroccan international has settled personal terms with the Bundesliga club, underlining his determination to move to Germany and take the next step in his career. The full-back wants Hamburg. Hamburg want him. Genk, though, are still holding the line.
The Belgian side have already turned down three offers from HSV. None of the bids have matched Genk’s valuation, and the club are in no rush to lose one of their most dynamic performers. The standoff has left negotiations stuck in familiar territory: player pushing to leave, buying club edging up their proposal, selling club waiting for the number they feel they deserve.
El Ouahdi has earned that stance from Genk. Over the past few seasons, the 24-year-old has grown into one of the most dangerous attacking full-backs in Belgian football. His first campaign with Genk was solid rather than spectacular, but everything changed when Daniel Muñoz departed for Crystal Palace. A gap opened on the flank. El Ouahdi sprinted into it.
Given a full run in the side in 2024/25, he responded with 40 appearances, eight goals and two assists – serious output for a defender. Last season he raised the bar again: 12 goals and five assists across 45 games, numbers that would catch the eye for a winger, never mind a full-back.
That blend of end product, energy and versatility explains Hamburg’s persistence. Back in the Bundesliga for a second consecutive season, HSV are rebuilding with players who can grow with the club, and El Ouahdi fits that profile perfectly. His ability to surge forward, attack space and finish chances would give their right flank a new edge.
For now, everything hinges on the fee. With the player’s will clear and personal terms agreed, the pressure shifts onto the negotiating table. Genk know they are holding a valuable asset. Hamburg know they may have to stretch to get their man.
If the deal finally breaks through, El Ouahdi will arrive in Germany not as a squad option, but as a potential cornerstone of HSV’s project in the top flight.
