Everton Lock Horns With Crystal Palace For This €10–12 Million Rated Defender: Should The Toffees Look For Him? | OneFootball

According to Sacha Tavolieri, Crystal Palace and Everton have shown interest in KRC Genk defender Zakaria El Ouahdi, and that shared attention has brought progress to a situation that could accelerate once January arrives and discussions turn from early checks to clear figures.

At 23, El Ouahdi looks ready for the next stage of his career, and while Genk remain relaxed about his future, the report suggests a fee between €10–12 million could be enough.

Zakaria El Ouahdi saga:

That valuation places the Moroccan international firmly within reach for clubs seeking quality without overspending. Due to this, both Palace and Everton continue to monitor the situation, while representatives wait for a firm offer that turns interest into action.

For Everton, the connection makes particular sense because the club continues to plan for the long term on the right side of defence, and although Seamus Coleman still provides leadership and consistency, age has begun to influence future thinking.

As a result, El Ouahdi will slot in naturally into that picture, since he offers pace, positional awareness, and the work rate needed to cover wide areas in a league that punishes lapses and rewards the ability to judge moments of the game.

NICE, FRANCE – JULY 30: Ibrahim Bayesh oof Team Iraq #8 under pressure from Zakaria El Ouahdi of Team Morocco #11 during the Men’s group B match between Morocco and Iraq during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Nice on July 30, 2024 in Nice, France. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

At the same time, the Premier League should hold a clear appeal for the player, and that attraction matters, because the report states he remains open to the move and is waiting to see whether the clubs can strike an agreement with Genk.

Such a step would represent a clear progression in his career, as regular exposure to fast, physical matches would test his reliability and composure every week.

Will he be a good signing for Everton?

From Genk’s point of view, a sale appears possible, largely because the valuation feels realistic rather than inflated, and clubs like Everton and Palace usually act when price and potential line up. With that in mind, the next few weeks could move quickly once talks begin, especially if one club decides to take the lead.

The Toffees should take the initiative, because El Ouahdi fits the age profile, falls within a sensible price range, and looks well-suited to follow Coleman in time, while adding depth without demanding immediate reliance.