Hamburger SV sign right‑back Zakaria El Ouahdi for €8m

Twenty‑four‑year‑old Moroccan right‑back Zakaria El Ouahdi has officially become a Hamburger SV player, leaving KRC Genk to ply his trade in the Bundesliga. The transfer puts an end to the protracted saga that surrounded the former PSV prospect after months of speculation.

The French announcement began with “En Allemagne”, meaning “In Germany”, and referred to the club as Hambourg.

Financial terms and clauses

Hamburger SV will initially pay eight million euros for El Ouahdi, with performance‑related bonuses capable of raising the total to twelve million euros. KRC Genk has also secured a percentage of any future resale fee.

Career journey and record

El Ouahdi’s development took him through the academies of Beerschot, Antwerp, Zulte Waregem and Berchem Sport before he made his senior debut at Rupel Boom. He later featured for RWDM and joined Genk at the start of 2024.

At Genk he cemented a place in the starting eleven, amassing 116 appearances, scoring twenty goals and providing thirteen assists. His form earned him a call‑up to the Moroccan national team.

The move to Hamburger SV marks his first professional experience outside Belgium. He will wear the number 7 shirt and will be reunited with fellow Belgians Sebastiaan Bornauw and Albert Sambi Lokonga, both already at the German club.

Hamburger SV are competing in the Bundesliga for a second consecutive season. The campaign began with a 2‑0 defeat to Dortmund.