Crystal Palace target Zakaria El Ouahdi open to Premier League move amid January interest

Crystal Palace have received a potential boost in their search for defensive reinforcements, with KRC Genk full-back Zakaria El Ouahdi confirming he would be open to a move to the Premier League.

Palace have been linked with the 24-year-old throughout January. Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws reported last week that Oliver Glasner’s side hold concrete interest in El Ouahdi and suggested a winter move was a realistic possibility.

That was followed by a report from Africa Foot, which claimed Palace were in advanced discussions with Genk, adding that the Belgian club would consider a sale this month for a fee in the region of €10–12 million. Everton and SL Benfica are also said to be monitoring the situation.

Palace’s interest comes against the backdrop of a shortage at right-back. First-choice option Daniel Muñoz has been sidelined with a knee injury since early December, while Caleb Kporha has yet to feature this season due to injury issues.

That has left 34-year-old Nathaniel Clyne as the only recognised senior right-back currently available to Glasner, increasing the appeal of adding cover during the winter window.

Speaking to Het Belang van Limburg, El Ouahdi was asked directly about the growing speculation linking him with a move away from Genk, including reports involving Crystal Palace.

Smiling, the defender played down the immediate noise surrounding his future.

“You’re right: according to the rumour mill,” he said.

“I’ll leave those things to my father, who can now fully focus on my future. If there’s anything concrete, I’ll hear about it. But it won’t affect my focus.”

Pressed further on whether a move to a top European league would be intimidating, El Ouahdi was clear in his stance and offered encouragement to interested clubs.

“No,” he explained.

“For me, the Premier League and La Liga are the two best leagues in the world. If the opportunity truly arises to play football there, I’m open to it.

“I realise it’s not easy to succeed at the highest level, but that doesn’t deter me. Even if it doesn’t work out, you can always bounce back, take one or two steps back and then climb again.”

Despite the speculation, El Ouahdi stressed that his immediate focus remains with Genk as they look to climb the league table in the second half of the season.

Crystal Palace are expected to continue assessing their right-back options as the January window progresses, particularly with Muñoz still unavailable. El Ouahdi’s openness to a Premier League move places him firmly on the club’s shortlist should talks with Genk advance in the coming weeks.