Hamburg intensify Zakaria El Ouahdi pursuit, Arthur remains alternative | OneFootball

Hamburger SV continue to pursue the signing of KRC Genk right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi as sporting director Claus Costa seeks to resolve one of the squad’s most obvious remaining deficiencies before the transfer deadline. According to the Hamburger Abendblatt, HSV have already reached a basic agreement with the 24-year-old Moroccan international.

Belgian transfer reporter Sacha Tavolieri reports that the Bundesliga club are now preparing a third offer for Genk after their first two approaches failed to produce an agreement. El Ouahdi himself reportedly favors the move. Kicker identifies the defender as Hamburg’s preferred solution and reports that a deal could cost approximately €13m plus bonuses.

The Morocco international offers substantial attacking production from the right flank. El Ouahdi registered eight goals and five assists in 34 league appearances last season, adding another four goals across nine Europa League outings. His potential arrival would also address a weakness that Get German Football News’ 2026/27 Hamburger SV tactical preview identified as one of the club’s principal unresolved personnel issues.

Following the departures of William Mikelbrencis and Giorgi Gocholeishvili, Bakery Jatta currently stands as the only established option for Merlin Polzin on the right wing-back position. HSV have consequently been seeking a player capable of moving ahead of Jatta in the hierarchy.

Arthur remains the alternative to El Ouahdi

Bayer Leverkusen full-back Arthur remains the alternative should HSV decide that El Ouahdi’s overall package is too expensive. Florian Plettenberg previously reported that Hamburg had reached a basic verbal agreement with the 23-year-old Brazilian over a season-long loan without a purchase option. GGFN covered Arthur’s potential departure as part of Leverkusen’s extensive late-window restructuring. Die Werkself are themselves attempting to sign Strasbourg right-back Guéla Doué and are prepared to sanction Arthur’s temporary departure.

The difference between Hamburg’s two options is significant. Arthur would provide an inexpensive short-term solution before returning to Leverkusen next summer. El Ouahdi represents the sort of permanent investment through which HSV hope to create long-term sporting and financial value. That distinction explains why the Genk defender remains Costa’s preferred target.

Vieira pursuit complicates HSV spending plans

The potential €13m-plus investment nevertheless comes at a time when Hamburg are simultaneously attempting to complete another expensive transfer. HSV remain determined to bring Fabio Vieira back from Arsenal after the Portuguese playmaker’s excellent loan season at the Volksparkstadion. GGFN reported earlier this month that Hamburg and Arsenal were preparing for another round of negotiations over Vieira. Personal terms have already been agreed, but the clubs remain separated over the transfer fee.

Hamburg have thus far sought to keep their Vieira investment below €10m, while Arsenal have valued the 26-year-old considerably higher. Committing approximately €13m plus bonuses to El Ouahdi while simultaneously attempting to finance Vieira therefore represents a significant calculation for Costa and the HSV administrative team. The club nevertheless appears determined to strengthen the right flank before the window closes.

GGFN | Peter Weis