Zakaria El Ouahdi has left K.R.C. Genk for a transfer to the German Bundesliga. The Moroccan right-back signed a five-year contract with HSV, who according to Sporza Voetbal paid around 10 million euros for his services.
Why did Zakaria El Ouahdi leave Genk?
El Ouahdi bid an emotional farewell to the Genk supporters last weekend after the victory against SK Beveren. According to Sporza Voetbal, that made it clear a departure was imminent. The 27-year-old international joined from RWDM in the summer of 2023 and played a total of 116 matches for the Limburg side, scoring 20 goals and providing 12 assists.
In an official statement, the defender thanked the club for the past years. "Here I got my chance, here I grew as a player and as a person," El Ouahdi said. "I leave with enormous respect, gratitude and beautiful memories. Genk will always have a special place in my heart." His departure is one of many in a busy transfer window for the club, who currently sit seventh in the Jupiler Pro League with seven points from four games.
How much did Genk earn this transfer window?
According to an analysis by HLN Voetbal, K.R.C. Genk has raised nearly 100 million euros in transfer fees this summer. The largest amount comes from the record sale of goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans to Liverpool for 35 million euros. Additionally, the transfers of Kos Karetsas to Dortmund (33 million), Zakaria El Ouahdi to HSV (10 million), Yira Sor to Amed SK (3 million) and Ali Camara to Juventus (1.5 million) brought in another 47.5 million euros.
The newspaper reports that approximately 16.5 million euros in sell-on clauses from former players like Daniel Muñoz, Ismael Saibari, Mika Godts and Jhon Lucumi are added to that. This brings the total income to around 99 million euros, which would see Genk overtake Club Brugge in the summer rankings. The 100 million euro mark could still be reached this week with potential departures of Nikolas Sattlberger, Jarne Steuckers and Mujaid Sadick.
How is Genk performing in the league?
While transfer activity is at its peak, K.R.C. Genk currently sits seventh in the Jupiler Pro League. From four played matches they have taken two wins, one draw and one defeat, good for seven points. The team of coach Wouter Vrancken has scored twelve goals and conceded eight, resulting in a goal difference of plus four.
In the title race, Genk trails leaders Charleroi by five points. The recent form of the Limburgers has been mixed with a sequence of win, draw, win and loss in the last four league matches. The next opportunity to pick up points is the away match against RSC Anderlecht on September 6th. Anderlecht currently sits eleventh in the table, which you can follow on our standings page.
What were Genk's main expenditures?
Against the high income stand significant outlays for new players. The club record was broken with the arrival of striker Rafiu Durosinmi from Pisa for 10 million euros. Other important purchases were Jeppe Erenbjerg from Zulte Waregem (5.5 million), Jerry Afriyie from Al Qadsiyah (5 million) and Kevin Amaro from Uruguayan side Liverpool (3 million).
The transfer of Christiaan Ravych from Cercle Brugge for 3 million euros will be officially announced today. In total, Genk spent approximately 27 million euros on new reinforcements. A goalkeeper may still return to the Cegeka Arena as an alternative for Brughmans, should he not be loaned for another season. The squad for the upcoming matches can be found in our squad overview.
Genk travels to Brussels this Saturday for the match against Anderlecht, which kicks off at 20:45 on September 6, 2026.
