Crystal Palace’s defensive injury crisis has forced Oliver Glasner into urgent action during the January transfer window.
The Eagles completed their club-record £35 million pound capture of Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson earlier this month, demonstrating their willingness to invest significantly in this crucial second half of the campaign.
Even though Glasner already has one foot out of the door, with the Austrian deciding not to pen a new deal, the south Londoners remain determined to bolster their squad for the strongest 2026 possible.
They also stand to potentially lose star centre-back Marc Guehi as soon as this month, with Man City stepping up their pursuit of the England international after their own crippling injuries.
Guehi’s January departure is now a very possible scenario, as confirmed by Glasner himself, who admitted to City’s interest.
Problems at the back have now become the priority following a series of setbacks that have left Glasner desperately short of options defensively.
Daniel Munoz underwent knee surgery in December and remains unavailable, while veteran Nathaniel Clyne suffered an adductor injury during last weekend’s defeat to Newcastle United, compounding Palace’s misery amid the Guehi saga.
The 34-year-old Clyne has been forced to operate as a right wing-back in recent weeks despite his advancing years and lack of pace required for the demanding role.
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His injury leaves Glasner with virtually no natural cover in that position, making defensive reinforcements an absolute necessity.
Palace have moved swiftly to address the shortage, with the club now in talks over a move for Genk right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi, according to multiple sources.
Zakaria El Ouahdi keen to join Crystal Palace amid talks
Negotiations are thought to be gathering momentum, as Glasner’s side push to potentially finalise their second January signing after Johnson.
What’s more, as per Standard Sport reporter Sam Tabuteau, El Ouahdi is keen on the switch to Selhurst Park, viewing the Premier League as an ideal destination to continue his development and test himself against the world’s best players.
However, negotiations are not advanced at this stage despite the player’s willingness to make the move happen during January.
The Moroccan has made 20 appearances across all competitions this season for the Belgian side, contributing an impressive four goals from his attacking full-back role.
El Ouahdi recently earned his senior Morocco debut but did not make the squad for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations tournament, with Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig branding the defender a “superb” and “complete” full-back last year.
Genk are reportedly open to sanctioning a sale if their valuation is met.
With the Belgian club demanding around £12 million, it is a figure that Palace should have little difficulty meeting given their recent willingness to spend heavily on Johnson and their determination to back Glasner.
Interestingly, Genk promoted El Ouahdi as Munoz’s replacement after Palace sealed a £6.8 million deal for the Colombian’s signature back in January 2024.
The Jupiler Pro League giants could now lose El Ouahdi to the same English outfit that previously raided them for their first-choice right-back.
