It’s been a stop-start summer for both Everton and Crystal Palace.
The Toffees came flying out the blocks to sign Hayden Hackney and Tyrique George, but have since come to a crashing halt. The Eagles, meanwhile, only recently commenced their business by signing Oscar Mingueza.
So, it’s no real surprise that they’re set to battle it out for another target, as they look to reignite their respective summer transfer windows, especially when consider that target is Zakaria El Ouahdi.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
It’s Everton who should be the ones to watch here. The Toffees still need a right-back following Seamus Coleman’s retirement and El Ouahdi would be an excellent choice. At a bargain price, they’d be signing a versatile player who was involved in a stunning 18 goals last season. |
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Finances |
Whilst his current valuation stands at €17m (£14m), Genk are willing to sell El Ouahdi for just €15m (£13m) this summer in a major boost for Crystal Palace and Everton. |
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Insight |
The 24-year-old can play as a winger and as a right-back, excelling at both. His18 goal involvements last season have put him firmly on the radar of the Premier League duo, but they must decide whether they’re signing a defender or free-flowing attacker. |
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Impact |
The arrival of El Ouahdi would likely end Everton’s search for a right-back this summer. Whether Palace return to the market if they miss out, meanwhile, is the big question. With Mingueza already in, it seems unlikely. |
El Ouahdi is the epitome of a modern-day right-back. He is everything that David Moyes should be looking for and would offer strength in depth across more than one position.
The 24-year-old has the incredibly rare ability to play both sides of the flanks and in four different positions. At just £13m, Crystal Palace and Everton have the chance to land one of the bargains of the summer.
Everton and Crystal Palace set to advance El Ouahdi move
As reported by Africa Foot and relayed by Sport Witness, Everton and Crystal Palace are set to advance their moves for El Ouahdi. The Premier League duo are set to intensify their enquiries and already know just how much it will take to secure his signature.
Genk have reportedly set their asking price at just €15m, despite the fact that their versatile defender was involved in 18 goals in the last campaign.
Clubs will struggle to find another right-back in Europe with El Ouahdi’s stunning output. For Everton to go from natural centre-back Jake O’Brien at right-back to a classic modern-day fullback would be an act of genius and could bridge the gap between themselves and Europe. All for just £13m.
