Hamburger SV is prioritizing the signing of KRC Genk right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi to address a deficiency in their squad before the transfer deadline. Sporting director Claus Costa has reportedly reached a basic agreement with the 24-year-old Moroccan international, but negotiations are ongoing. Should a deal for El Ouahdi prove too expensive, Bayer Leverkusen full-back Arthur is being considered as an alternative.
HSV are preparing a third offer for El Ouahdi after two previous bids failed to secure an agreement with Genk, according to reports. The defender reportedly favors a move to Hamburg, and Kicker estimates a deal could cost approximately €13m plus bonuses. El Ouahdi was a significant attacking threat last season, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in 34 league appearances, and adding four goals in nine Europa League matches. His arrival would fill a gap in the squad following the departures of William Mikelbrencis and Giorgi Gocholeishvili, leaving Bakery Jatta as the only established right wing-back option.
Arthur, a 23-year-old Brazilian, is seen as a more inexpensive short-term solution, potentially joining on a season-long loan without a purchase option. Bayer Leverkusen are willing to allow Arthur to leave as they pursue Strasbourg right-back Guéla Doué. However, Claus Costa views El Ouahdi as a long-term investment that would create both sporting and financial value for HSV.
Hamburg is also attempting to re-sign Fabio Vieira from Arsenal, but negotiations are complicated by the transfer fee. Personal terms have been agreed, but the clubs remain apart on the price. This pursuit, combined with the potential cost of El Ouahdi, is impacting HSV’s spending plans.
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