Zakaria El Ouahdi may have played his final appearance for Genk after an emotional display following Friday’s 4-0 victory over Beveren. The Moroccan defender left the pitch in tears following warm farewells to supporters, signalling uncertainty over his immediate future at the Belgian club.
Manager Jess Thorup stopped short of ruling out an exit, telling reporters: “I saw that he was very emotional. Was it his last match? Maybe, who knows. If he leaves, it will be for something bigger.” The Danish coach confirmed ongoing conversations about El Ouahdi’s prospects, indicating the 24-year-old’s departure remains a genuine possibility before the window closes.
Hamburg leads the chase for El Ouahdi
Hamburger SV has emerged as the frontrunner in the pursuit, with the player having already agreed personal terms with the Bundesliga club. However, HSV’s opening bids have not yet satisfied Genk’s valuation, leaving negotiations at an impasse. A binding agreement between both organisations remains unsigned.
Hull City has also registered interest in the right-back, whose contract with Genk runs until June 2028. The recent recruitment of Kevin Amaro to cover the position could accelerate El Ouahdi’s exit, removing a potential internal obstacle to his departure.
Why Genk’s recruitment shapes El Ouahdi’s window
The arrival of Amaro signals Genk’s readiness to move on from their academy graduate, reducing internal pressure to retain him. With Hamburg‘s offer still below expectations and Hull circling, the Belgian side faces a balancing act: securing adequate compensation while allowing their emotional leader to pursue a move “for something bigger,” as Thorup framed it. El Ouahdi’s tearful exit suggests his mind may already be elsewhere, intensifying the likelihood of resolution before the deadline.
