Stuttgart join Crystal Palace and Everton in race to sign Zakaria El Ouahdi | OneFootball

According to a report from HLN, VfB Stuttgart have joined the race to sign KRC Genk defender Zakaria El Ouahdi (24).

Crystal Palace and Everton have both shown interest in the Antwerp native, who had significant interest from Benfica, Wolfsburg and Stade Rennes in the summer. Now a permanent fixture in the Genk squad, El Ouahdi has started each of his 14 Jupiler Pro League appearances this season, only missing six consecutive games with a shoulder injury between October and November.

HLN report that El Ouahdi could be open to a move after two-and-a-half seasons at Genk but as of now, there are no concrete negotiations.

As Stuttgart prepare for the 2026/27 campaign, Pascal Stenzel’s contract expires in the summer while Leonidas Stergiou is yet to make a single appearance this season. Lorenz Assignon and Josha Vagnoman have both been regular features for Sebastian Hoeneß this season, but it leaves VfB short in the full-back positions.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder