Palace Chase: Moroccan Right-Back in Winter Transfer Push
9 January 2026
Palace Chase: Moroccan Right-Back in Winter Transfer Push
Crystal Palace are in talks to sign Moroccan Zakaria Al-Waidi, a Genk right-back, during the current winter transfer window.
Standard Sport reports that Palace are searching for a right-back after injuries to Daniel Muñoz and Nathaniel Klein.
Al-Waidi is thrilled by the idea of moving to Palace, but talks have not progressed to an advanced stage yet.
The Moroccan, 24, has featured in 20 matches across all competitions for Genk this season, scoring four goals and providing two decisive assists.
He recently earned his first senior international cap for Morocco, but was not included in the Atlas Lions AFCON squad.
Al-Waidi joined Genk in September 2023, with a contract running until the summer of 2028.
Palace sit 13th in the Premier League with 28 points from 21 games.
Punchline 1: If he signs, Palace's defense will finally have more balance than a well-timed punchline.
Punchline 2: With Zakaria aboard, the back line might stop chasing the ball and start chasing the calendar—clean sheets on schedule.
