Crystal Palace will have to see off competition from Everton to land one of their long-term targets this summer. A rebuild is set to take place at Selhurst Park when Oliver Glasner departs, and a new manager arrives.
The club’s transfer record was broken twice in the winter transfer window as two new attackers were signed. Brennan Johnson joined Palace from Tottenham Hotspur for £35m, and Jorgen Strand Larsen became an Eagles player for £48m on deadline day.
A new right-back was on the agenda amid Daniel Munoz’s knee injury, which saw him miss a large chunk of the winter period. The Colombian recovered quicker than anticipated, and as a result, a new full-back didn’t arrive.
Palace were thought to have set their sights on Genk’s Zakaria El Ouahdi when Munoz underwent knee surgery in December. Glasner was unable to turn to Nathaniel Clyne because of a muscular injury.
Eager for El Ouahdi
A move for El Ouahdi could still be on the cards following a report from Africa Foot. It’s claimed that the South Londoners have a “genuine interest” in the Moroccan but could face competition from Everton.
The Toffees are also monitoring the 24-year-old who has been superb for his Belgian outfit this season. He’s appeared 30 times across competitions, posting seven goals and three assists.
| El Ouahdi (Belgian Pro League 2025-26) | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances: | 20 |
| Goals: | 4 |
| Assists: | 2 |
| Key passes: | 1.3 |
| Long balls (accurate): | 1.7 (43%) |
| Tackles per game: | 1.0 |
| Successful dribbles: | 1.0 (56%) |
| Ground duels won: | 3.2 (53%) |
El Ouahdi has reportedly informed club management that he intends to “change environment” at the end of the campaign. He has just over two years on his contract, and Genk’s starting price is around €15m (£13m).
Could be worth it
Palace do need to consider their long-term future and who will eventually replace Munoz. The Colombian is now 29 and needs competition for the right-back berth ahead of a new managerial appointment.
There’s no doubt that Munoz will remain a starter next season, but signing El Ouahdi gives the Eagles more options. He can even put a shift in at left-back, performing the role four times this season.
El Ouahdi’s teammate Daan Heymans gave a glowing verdict when speculation grew over his future last summer. He said (via HLN):
“Zaka is top-notch. He contributes so much offensively and is ready to do his defensive work five seconds later. He’s fantastic to have in your team. Hopefully, he stays.”
The issue Palace have is that Everton aren’t the only club also showing interest in the Genk defender. Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven are also keen, while Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart are keeping tabs.
The player’s father, who acts as his representative, has welcomed a potential move to the Dutch league. If he is prioritising PSV, it makes it a difficult deal to pull off.
