Meknes – Bayer Leverkusen are setting their sights on Moroccan international Zakaria El Ouahdi as a key target to reinforce their right-back position this summer.
According to German media Kicker, the German club has added the talented defender to their shortlist as part of plans to bolster their defensive side ahead of the upcoming season.
However, any deal for the Moroccan defender depends on Leverkusen first landing Facundo Medina from Olympique de Marseille. Once an agreement with Marseille is finalized, German executives plan to move quickly to sign El Ouahdi.
The 24-year-old star’s offensive skills and pace on the break match exactly what the German side is looking for in that position.
During the 2025–26 campaign with KRC Genk, the Moroccan international enjoyed a highly productive season, cementing his reputation as an attacking dynamic threat along the right flank.
Across 34 league appearances, El Ouahdi recorded eight goals and four assists, his 12 total goal contributions established him as one of the most effective attacking full-backs in the Belgian Pro League.
Currently tied to Genk through 2028, the Morocco international made his lone 2026 FIFA World Cup appearance coming off the bench for PSG star Achraf Hakimi late in Morocco’s quarter-final 2-0 defeat against France.
Whether he remains in Belgium or secures a high-profile move to the Bundesliga, El Ouahdi’s standout season has proven he is ready for the next level.
A potential move to Germany would mark a major step forward in the defender’s career as he continues to build his profile on the international stage.
