K.R.C. Genk has concluded a busy end to the transfer window with the sale of Zakaria El Ouahdi to HSV. According to HLN Voetbal, the clubs reached an agreement this week for a fee of €10 million, plus bonuses and a sell-on clause. The 24-year-old Moroccan international signs a five-year deal in the Bundesliga. Genk currently sits seventh in the Jupiler Pro League with seven points from four matches and a +4 goal difference.
What does the El Ouahdi transfer mean?
The wing-back bid an emotional farewell to Genk fans last weekend following the 4-0 victory over SK Beveren. Sporza Voetbal reported the player, who featured 116 times over three years, was visibly moved. His move to HSV ends a long search for a step up to a top league, with clubs like Benfica and Wolfsburg previously showing interest.
El Ouahdi traveled to Hamburg for his medical, after which the transfer was finalized. In a statement via a press release, quoted by Sporza, he said: "Genk will always have a special place in my heart. I leave with enormous respect." The right-back scored 20 goals and provided 12 assists during his spell at the Cegeka Arena.
How much has Genk earned this summer?
The sale of El Ouahdi is part of an exceptionally profitable transfer summer for the Limburg side. HLN Voetbal calculated on September 1 that net income from player sales stands at €82.5 million. That sum includes the record transfer of goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans to Liverpool for €35 million.
Additionally, Genk sold defender Kos Karetsas to Borussia Dortmund for €33 million. Other outgoing moves included those of Yira Sor and Ali Camara. When the numerous income from sell-on clauses is added, the total revenue approaches the €100 million mark according to the newspaper. This provides head of football Dimitri de Condé with significant financial flexibility.
What is Genk's current league standing?
The team has had a mixed start to the season and occupies seventh place after four matchdays. It has recorded two wins, one draw, and one defeat. The recent form guide reads WDWL. With twelve goals scored and eight conceded, Genk boasts the league's fourth-best attacking record.
The gap to leaders Charleroi is five points. The next challenge is an away fixture against RSC Anderlecht on September 6, a team currently in eleventh place. Fans can follow the full schedule and table on our standings and fixtures pages. The squad, including any new signings, can be viewed on the squad overview.
What were other transfer moves in the JPL?
Sporza Voetbal noted several deals at other Belgian clubs during the same period. Sint-Truiden loaned Japanese defender Kota Takai from Tottenham Hotspur. Westerlo strengthened with Hungarian centre-back Botond Balogh, signed from Parma.
At Antwerp, Anthony Valencia departed for Brazilian side Flamengo. These transfers show the ongoing market activity among Genk's direct rivals. The Limburgers themselves have had to reshuffle their defense following the departures of El Ouahdi and Karetsas. The next league match against Anderlecht will be an important test for the new setup.
