Credit: Imago
Wed 7 January 2026 18:30, UK
Everton are entering a pivotal crossroads in their season in their quest to qualify for Europe under David Moyes.
Everton were beaten 4-2 by Brentford on Sunday, in another match that exposed the frailties in Moyes’ squad.
There were several poor performers at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and none more so than Jake O’Brien, who struggled against the lively Kevin Schade.
O’Brien has been shoehorned in at right-back for most of 2025/26 ahead of Nathan Patterson and in the absence of Seamus Coleman, but that could be about to change.
Everton could sign Zakaria El Ouahdi for just £12m
In their pursuit of a new right-back, Everton enquired about a transfer for Zakaria El Ouahdi from Genk in December.
The 24-year-old has been in exceptional form for the Belgian Pro League side, and even demonstrated his goalscoring prowess from defence with four goals in 14 appearances.
Zakaria El Ouahdi’s career stats145 appearances20 goals13 assists
Moyes is crying out for an attacking, dynamic full-back to complement Iliman Ndiaye down the right, and the Moroccan international ticks that box.
More importantly, El Ouahdi is reportedly available for just £12million, and that could turn out to be a modern-day bargain for someone who is impressing in Europe.
According to FBref, the Belgian-born talent ranks in the top six per cent of full-backs in the Europa League for successful take-ons and the seven per cent for shots per 90, evincing his attacking talents.
El Ouahdi is certainly a big upgrade on who they have currently, and his arrival would also mean O’Brien can return to his preferred role at centre-back permanently.
El Ouahdi would join exclusive club at Everton
Many Moroccans have arrived in the Premier League and become an instant hit, most notably Adel Taarabt at QPR.
But unsurprisingly, hardly none have featured for the Toffees, with left-back Adam Aznou yet to make his top-flight debut since joining from Bayern Munich in the summer.
Aznou is the only player from Morocco to pull on the Everton jersey, and the 19-year-old would be delighted if El Ouahdi joins him on that list.
If he does, then Moyes’ full-back positions could be sorted for the next decade, depending on whether both players cement their place in the side.