Crystal Palace are weighing up a move for Genk right back Zakaria El Ouahdi as they look to strengthen their options on the flank during the January window.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider that Palace have been closely monitoring the 24 year old, with club scouts regularly watching his performances as part of their background work.
Injuries have left Oliver Glasner short of options, with Daniel Munoz sidelined long term and Nathaniel Clyne also unavailable in recent weeks. Those absences have highlighted the lack of depth on the right side of Palace’s squad.
That has led the Eagles to look back to Munoz’s former club, where El Ouahdi has impressed since stepping into the role vacated by the Colombian following his move to Selhurst Park. The Morocco international has enjoyed a productive season, scoring four times and registering one assist in 14 league appearances.
Crystal Palace step up interest in Zakaria El Ouahdi
Speaking earlier this month, Brown said Palace are ready to invest in January after securing Brennan Johnson from Tottenham early in the window. A right wing back is understood to be a priority, and El Ouahdi remains high on the shortlist despite no bid being submitted yet.
Brown explained that Palace see El Ouahdi as the right profile for their system, describing him as an attack minded wing back who fits what the club are looking for. He added that Palace will also consider the player’s willingness to move, his expectations over game time and how he fits into their longer term plans.
Replacing Munoz will not be straightforward, with Brown stressing the defender’s importance to the side since his arrival. Alongside players such as Jean Philippe Mateta and Eberechi Eze, Munoz has been one of Palace’s most influential performers, which is why the club have been planning carefully.
Could Daniel Munoz leave Selhurst Park?
Palace’s pursuit of El Ouahdi is not only about short term cover, but also about preparing for the future. While the club are keen to keep Munoz beyond this window, interest in the defender continues to grow.
Munoz has previously spoken openly about his ambition to play for one of Europe’s biggest clubs, naming sides such as Barcelona and Manchester United as dream destinations. Brown has suggested United could consider a move in January after becoming aware of the player’s interest, with Munoz admitting that joining clubs of that stature would represent a major career goal.