El Ouahdi: “I hope to see more Moroccans in Hamburg”

Following his transfer to Hamburger SV, Zakaria El Ouahdi recounted the behind-the-scenes of a deal that was uncertain for a long time. In an interview with the German press, the Moroccan international explained that he was attracted by HSV’s eagerness to recruit him and by discussions with coach Merlin Polzin as well as with the club’s management.

His departure from Genk was still far from assured when he bid farewell to the Belgian supporters in tears. “It wasn’t easy to come here,” admitted the 24-year-old full-back. On August 28, El Ouahdi still estimated the chances of the transfer going through at “50-50”. His father eventually informed him that Genk had allowed him to join Germany: “He told me, ‘You can now go to Hamburg.’ At that moment, I was happy.”

The Atlas Lion also stated that he did not pay too much attention to the mere rumors surrounding his future. “I only want to be informed when an offer is on the table. Everyone can be interested, but the most important thing is the offers,” he explained. Hamburg was the first club to take concrete action. “I then said that I didn’t want to back down and that we had to seize this opportunity,” he continued, convinced by the efforts made by HSV to secure his signature.

El Ouahdi also reflected on the personal reasons that had led him to stay at Genk despite interest from VfL Wolfsburg. His father was suffering from leukemia at the time, and the Moroccan did not want to be far from his family. “I am very attached to my family; nothing is more important to me,” he had confided. The German deal had also lost momentum when Wolfsburg’s new coach preferred to focus his resources on recruiting a striker. His father is now doing better, allowing the player to approach this new stage of his career with more peace of mind.

On the field, El Ouahdi promises to never cheat while wearing his new colors. “I will always give 100%, or even more,” he assures. While he hopes to contribute with goals and assists, the Moroccan prioritizes collective results: “The most important thing is to win and play well first.”

In Hamburg, El Ouahdi reunites with Bilal Nadir and already has a particular wish for the future. “I hope that if Bilal and I perform well, more Moroccans will come to this great club,” he stated. A strong message from the new HSV recruit, determined to pave a new way for Moroccan players in the Bundesliga.