Zakaria El Ouahdi completes transfer to Hamburger SV

Zakaria El Ouahdi has completed a transfer from KRC Genk to Hamburger SV for a fee that could reach 12 million euros. The Moroccan international expressed mixed emotions regarding the move, stating that while he is happy to have secured his dream transfer after interest from clubs like AC Milan and Napoli failed to materialize, it “does also a little bit of pain” to leave Genk.

El Ouahdi dismissed rumors that Genk makes it difficult for players to force transfers, noting that the club fulfilled its promises and the departure was handled “as gentlemen.”

His debut for Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga proved difficult, as the team suffered a heavy 0-5 defeat against Mainz. El Ouahdi started the match as a right-back, but the defense struggled to contain Mainz, leaving Hamburger SV at the bottom of the league standings after two matchdays.