Crystal Palace may get another opportunity to sign Genk wide-man Zakaria El Ouahdi this summer, with the versatile defender potentially serving as a replacement for Daniel Munoz amid growing speculation over the Colombian’s future at Selhurst Park. According to Caughtoffside.com.
Palace positioned to revive El Ouahdi pursuit as Munoz exit speculation grows
Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws reports that El Ouahdi could be available this summer after Palace’s failed January pursuit of the 24-year-old Morocco international. The versatile player, who can operate as a wide-man or right-back, is expected to leave Genk at the end of the current campaign.
However, Palace face competition for El Ouahdi’s signature from several European clubs including Lyon, Marseille, and PSV Eindhoven. The renewed interest comes as uncertainty surrounds Daniel Munoz’s future, with Chelsea having approached the Palace right-back over a potential summer transfer according to previous reports.
Barcelona are also monitoring Munoz’s situation, adding to the speculation surrounding his departure from Selhurst Park. The Colombian has openly expressed his ambitions to join a bigger club, stating his dream to attract attention from Barcelona, PSG, Real Madrid, or Manchester United.
Munoz fuelled transfer speculation by declaring “it would be a dream to play for one of these clubs” and emphasising his daily work towards attracting such interest. His comments suggest Palace may need to identify a replacement, with El Ouahdi fitting the profile as a versatile defender capable of covering multiple positions.
The potential departure of Munoz would create an opportunity for Palace to finally secure El Ouahdi’s services after their unsuccessful January approach. The Genk defender’s availability and Palace’s previous interest could align to create a mutually beneficial summer transfer scenario.
