Crystal Palace could sign a new right-back this summer.
Nathaniel Clyne sees his contract expire in a matter of days, and is yet to sign an extension despite Crystal Palace announcing that talks are being held.
It seems Steve Parish is prepared to sign a new deputy for Daniel Munoz this summer, as Crystal Palace held talks over a deal for Zakaria El Ouahdi back in January – according to the Evening Standard.
A deal could happen considering the Morocco international is now into the final two years of his contract, but the Genk star very nearly endured heartbreak this summer after a bizarre issue involving his visa.
Who is your DREAM signing? ⭐️
Zakaria El Ouahdi visa issues were allegedly due to family member’s beard
From overpriced tickets to the banning of water bottles – not to mention a referee being denied entry – this World Cup has already had its fair share of controversial moments.
According to Morocco World News, there was another strange incident as the US embassy initially denied El Ouahdi a visa – allegedly due to his father’s beard.
The Genk No.77 – an international teammate of Crystal Palace defender Chadi Riad – eventually received access after Morocco’s Royal Football Federation (FRMF) intervened.
It would have put a real dampener on the summer for El Ouahdi if he was actually denied the chance to represent his country at a World Cup for such a peculiar – alleged – reason.
Fortunately, the 24-year-old has managed to link up with Riad and the rest of the Morocco camp, where the Crystal Palace No.34 will hopefully put a good word in about the Eagles, who also want Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough.
El Ouahdi would be an exciting addition at Selhurst Park, having scored 12 goals while also providing six assists in 45 appearances for Genk last season from right-back.
The Hoboken-born defender is a real livewire down the right flank, just like Munoz, the man he replaced at Genk after Dougie Freedman sealed a bargain £6.7m move for the Colombia international in January 2024.
Where do you think we can finish in the UEFA Europa League next season after victory in Leipzig? 🤔
If Nottingham Forest can reach the last four while in a relegation battle, surely we can at least make the final? 👀
With Munoz now 30 years of age – six years older than El Ouahdi – the Moroccan would be a smart addition to make this summer, one who can initially provide backup and eventually replace the South American.
