Hamburger SV is in negotiations with Belgian club KRC Genk for the transfer of Moroccan international Zakaria El Ouahdi. The 24-year-old attacking full-back has already agreed personal terms with the Bundesliga side, as reported by sports.yahoo.com this week.
HSV returned to the top flight last season and finished the 2025 campaign in 13th place with 31 points. With 32 goals scored and 45 conceded, the club had a goal difference of -13. El Ouahdi is now targeted to bolster the defense as the team prepares for its next home fixture against FSV Mainz 05 on September 6th.
What is the status of the negotiations?
Talks between Hamburger SV and KRC Genk have proven to be challenging. The German club has reportedly submitted three offers for Zakaria El Ouahdi. None of these bids have been accepted by the Belgian side. However, it is considered likely that the two clubs will eventually agree on a transfer fee. The player himself is keen on a move to further his career. Should the transfer go through, El Ouahdi is expected to become a key contributor for HSV.
What qualities does Zakaria El Ouahdi offer?
Zakaria El Ouahdi has been regarded as one of the best attacking full-backs in Belgian football over the past few seasons. The Moroccan international took his opportunity at Genk after Daniel Munoz left the club for Crystal Palace. During the 2024/2025 season, he played 40 games for Genk, scoring eight goals and providing two assists. Last season, he improved his output further, making 45 appearances, scoring twelve goals, and registering five assists. These statistics highlight his offensive threat from a defensive position.
How does El Ouahdi fit into HSV's current plans?
Signing Zakaria El Ouahdi would be a strategic move for HSV as they embark on their second season back in the Bundesliga. The club aims to build on a mid-table finish in the 2025 season, which saw them record seven wins, ten draws, and twelve losses from 29 games. Sitting 45 points behind leaders Bayern München, the team is still far from the top. A player like El Ouahdi could inject fresh impetus into the attack while also adding defensive solidity. The exact final standings from last season can be seen on our standings page.
What happens next?
Transfer negotiations are intensifying in the final days of the summer window. For Hamburger SV, strengthening the defense before the league resumes is a priority. The next challenge is the home match against Mainz 05, a direct rival from last season's table. If El Ouahdi is signed, he will aim for a quick integration into the squad. Fans can follow the preparations for the upcoming match and the rest of the season on our fixtures page. The club's focus is on bringing the talks with Genk to a successful conclusion and completing the squad for the demanding second half of the season.
