Vacancy filled: HSV unveil ideal fix for the right flank | OneFootball

It’s official: HSV have signed Zakaria El Ouahdi, successfully bringing their search for a new right-sided wing-back to an end.

The 24-year-old Moroccan joins Hamburg from Belgian top-flight side KRC Genk. According to media reports, the transfer fee is around eight million euros. Possible bonuses could make the deal even more expensive.

El Ouahdi completed his medical on Sunday and then signed a long-term contract with HSV. The Rothosen had recently been intensively searching for reinforcement on the right flank, as Bakery Jatta had been virtually without competition in that position throughout the entire pre-season.

With the signing of the Moroccan international, one thing is also clear: Arthur, who had recently been linked with the club, will not be joining HSV from Bayer Leverkusen. Instead, the Brazilian is set to join northern rivals Werder Bremen.

Photo: IMAGO

HSV bosses have high hopes for El Ouahdi

But in El Ouahdi, the Hanseatic club are getting their absolute preferred option anyway. “Zaka has had an impressive career path. He worked his way up from amateur football in Belgium to become a professional and a Moroccan international, and in recent years he was one of Genk’s key players. He achieved this path through his own efforts, and that impressively shows how ambitious he is and how much potential for development he has,” made clear Kathleen Krüger, the club’s board member for sport.

Sporting director Claus Costa added: “With Zaka, we are signing a very dynamic and attack-minded full-back who fits our playing philosophy perfectly with his energy and brave style of play. With his directness, his runs in behind, and his quality in the final third, he brings many of the attributes we were looking for in this position.”

El Ouahdi himself is just as eager for his new challenge. “I am very happy about my move to HSV. It is a big club in Germany with a rich history,” he said during his presentation. “I can hardly wait to play at the Volkspark. From what I’ve heard, the stadium is always full. I want to excite the fans with the way I play, and I can promise that I will always give my best for the club.” He may get his first chance to do so as early as Sunday (3:30 p.m.) against 1. FSV Mainz 05.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.