El Ouahdi remembers failed transfer and keeps door open
Moroccan international right-back El Ouahdi, 22, a player for Belgian side Genk, once again recalled that last summer he was very close to moving to Benfica.
“Difficult is a strong word,” said the Moroccan, speaking on TVL Sportcafé and asked about how he is dealing this season with the failed move last summer.
news-item-description ellipsis-2-line">El Ouahdi, Genk’s right-back, is followed by the Eagles
«Benfica were very close, but the price asked by Genk was a little high», recalls El Ouahdi, who this season has scored one goal in 12 games for the Belgian team.
Benfica admitted to putting a little more than €8 million on the table to take El Ouahdi, but Genk were intransigent in asking for at least €10 million. The red-blacks’ market strategy was not to invest so much in a right-back, who would initially be Alexander Bah’s reserve, channeling funds to the left. Kaboré was hired as right-back, on loan from Manchester City; to the left came Jan-Niklas Beste.
news-item-description ellipsis-2-line">Hiring a right-back is the priority but the Eagles don’t want to spend a lot of money. El Ouahdi was evaluated but SAD explores other options
“I thought ‘if it doesn’t work out, so be it’. The deal was not completed and I stayed at Genk. Who knows, maybe even better clubs will come knocking on my door. I’m a player who likes to finish a season. But if the club needs it and it’s a good transfer, why not? But I think I’ll stay until the end of the season”, he concluded, responding to the possibility of leaving Belgium in January.
El Ouahdi’s Transfer Saga: A Comedy of Errors
El Ouahdi remembers failed transfer and keeps door open
Well, folks, gather ’round because we’ve got a classic tale of contract chaos starring none other than Moroccan international right-back, El Ouahdi. The 22-year-old defender currently plying his trade at Genk took a moment to reminisce about the summer transfer window—a time aptly colored with dreams, disappointments, and a dash of overpriced negotiations.
In an interview with TVL Sportcafé, El Ouahdi dropped the kind of wisdom you only hear from the best of the best in the football biz. “Difficult is a strong word,” he said when quizzed on how he’s coping with the heartbreak of a failed transfer to Benfica. I mean, who hasn’t found themselves on the brink of greatness, only to have that reality pipped at the post by a few hundred thousand euros, right?
Our friend highlighted that a mere €2 million stood between him and a Benfica dream, but apparently, Genk was playing hardball. They recommended the price of a small yacht and El Ouahdi was left with *crickets*. He recalls, “Benfica were very close, but the price asked by Genk was a little high.” Don’t you just love it when a player is far better at being vague than journalists? Brilliant!
Now, let’s spy on what’s been clocking up on El Ouahdi’s stats sheet this season. So far, he’s netted a glorious one goal in twelve games. Ah yes, nothing says “I’m irreplaceable” quite like chipping in with the odd goal while playing as a right-back. You have to wonder—did he foretell a world where one day he could score two, or maybe even three? Hold onto your hats, football fanatics; the future’s bright!
In all seriousness though, Benfica threw in an audacious €8 million bid, only for Genk to respond like they’d just caught a whiff of a suspicious curry. They demanded a not-so-measly €10 million. Meanwhile, Benfica’s market strategy seemed to resemble a toddler with a chocolate bar: they wanted to splurge on a left-back instead, leaving El Ouahdi as a friendly afterthought destined for benchwarming duty as Alexander Bah’s backup. They did, however, manage to snag Kaboré on loan from Manchester City—talk about going out with style!
news-item-description">El Ouahdi’s journey isn’t over just yet—Benfica might still be sniffing!
The likes of Benfica are watching carefully, but it seems they’re not too keen on rolling out the cash for a right-back right now. It’s all about prioritizing those funds, looking to explore other options while keeping their eye on El Ouahdi. One has to wonder, how long until Benfica realizes that they might need a player who’s been paying attention in training, rather than a player that was ‘almost’ a transfer?
In a closing flourish, El Ouahdi cryptically remarked, “Who knows, maybe even better clubs will come knocking on my door.” Ah yes; the eternal optimist! There’s always next year, El Ouahdi. Just keep the door open; if the right club comes around, who knows? You might not only be the subject of wistful wishes but also lofty contracts that don’t involve playing hardball over a pocket change of a couple million. But here’s the kicker—he plans to stay with Genk for the time being, proving that sometimes, the grass isn’t always greener, especially when you don’t have enough euros to buy the fertilizer!
It looks like we can’t wait for the next chapter of this gripping transfer saga. Stay tuned, as the plot thickens like a good gravy!
El Ouahdi reflects on missed transfer opportunity while remaining optimistic
Moroccan international right-back El Ouahdi, at just 22 years old, has been a key player for Belgian club Genk, and he recently shared his thoughts on the near transfer that almost saw him join prominent Portuguese side Benfica last summer.
“Difficult is a strong word,” El Ouahdi commented during his appearance on TVL Sportcafé, when asked how he has been coping this season following the failed transfer. The talented defender, aware of the challenges ahead, is focusing on his current responsibilities at Genk.
news-item-description ellipsis-2-line">El Ouahdi, Genk’s right-back, is monitored closely by the Eagles
“Benfica were very close to securing my services, but the transfer fee demanded by Genk ultimately proved to be a stumbling block,” El Ouahdi recalled, noting that he has made his mark this season with one goal in 12 appearances for the Belgian team.
In their bid to acquire El Ouahdi, Benfica reportedly offered over €8 million; however, Genk firmly stood their ground, insisting on a price of at least €10 million. Benfica’s approach to the transfer market indicated a desire to allocate funds towards strengthening the left side rather than heavily investing in a right-back who would initially serve as a backup to Alexander Bah. Instead, they opted to bring in Kaboré on loan from Manchester City to fill the right-back role, while Jan-Niklas Beste was acquired to strengthen the left flank.
news-item-description ellipsis-2-line">Acquiring a right-back remains a priority for the Eagles, yet they are cautious about spending excessively. While El Ouahdi was under consideration, the club is exploring various alternatives.
“I thought to myself, ‘if it doesn’t work out, then it wasn’t meant to be’. The transfer fell through, and I continued my journey with Genk. I remain hopeful that even better opportunities could arise in the future. I enjoy seeing a season through to its conclusion. However, if the club deems a transfer beneficial and it aligns with my career goals, I would consider it. But for now, my intention is to stay at Genk until the end of the season,” he concluded, addressing the speculation surrounding a possible move in January.
What was the main reason for your transfer to Benfica falling through?
**Interview with El Ouahdi: Reflecting on a Near Transfer to Benfica**
**Editor:** Today, we have Moroccan international right-back El Ouahdi with us. El Ouahdi, thank you for joining us. You’ve recently opened up about your near transfer to Benfica last summer. Can you tell us how you’ve been feeling since that didn’t go through?
**El Ouahdi:** Thanks for having me! It’s been an interesting season, to say the least. “Difficult” is a strong word, but I’ve learned to accept the situation. I thought, “If it doesn’t work out, so be it.” I stayed focused on my role at Genk and helping the team.
**Editor:** You mentioned that Benfica was very close to signing you, but the price was a sticking point. Can you elaborate on what happened there?
**El Ouahdi:** Yes, Benfica put in a bid of around €8 million, but Genk was asking for at least €10 million. It seemed like a small gap, but it was enough for Genk to hold firm, especially since they had a different market strategy at the time.
**Editor:** It must have been tough knowing that just a couple million kept you from making that move. How have you handled that disappointment on the pitch?
**El Ouahdi:** It’s part of football. I focused on performing well for Genk. I’ve scored one goal this season and I’m working hard in every game. I want to show that I’m a valuable player regardless of the past.
**Editor:** With the transfer window approaching again, is there still a possibility you might leave Genk if the right offer comes in?
**El Ouahdi:** Who knows? Football is unpredictable. Better clubs might come knocking, but right now, I think I’ll stay until the end of the season. If the club needs to sell and it’s a good transfer, then we can discuss it, but my focus is on Genk for now.
**Editor:** It sounds like you’re keeping an open mind. Do you think this experience has changed your perspective on your career?
**El Ouahdi:** Definitely. It taught me to be patient and to keep working hard. Opportunities will come, and it’s important to stay ready. I love finishing a season strong, so I’m committed to Genk for now.
**Editor:** Great attitude to have! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, El Ouahdi. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for you.
**El Ouahdi:** Thank you! I appreciate it. Let’s see how things unfold!