Scouts from Manchester United, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and more showed up at Racing Genk's Europa League match against Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday. The game ended in a wild 3-3 draw. All eyes were on three young Genk players: Zakaria El Ouahdi, Yaimar Medina and Matte Smets. These clubs want to see if the trio fits their plans for next season.
Key Takeaways
- 23 scouts from top European clubs attended Genk's 3-3 draw with Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League.
- Chelsea, Manchester United, PSG, Manchester City and others watched Zakaria El Ouahdi (24), Yaimar Medina (21) and Matte Smets (22).
- Genk midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas was sidelined by injury but remains on radars elsewhere.
- The interest signals a busy summer transfer window for Belgium's rising talents.
Background
Racing Genk has long been a talent factory in Belgian football. They sit in the Jupiler Pro League, known for producing players who move to bigger leagues. Think of Kevin De Bruyne or Thibaut Courtois. Both came through Genk before starring at top clubs. Now, this trio draws similar attention.
The Europa League match packed the stadium. Genk hosted Dinamo Zagreb. Fans saw goals fly in from both sides. But off the pitch, the real story brewed. Scouts filled the stands. Belgian media reported 23 representatives from elite teams. Chelsea sent eyes. Manchester United did too. PSG, Manchester City, Ajax, Newcastle, Napoli, Borussia Dortmund. All there.
Zakaria El Ouahdi played midfielder. He's 24. Strong in the middle. Yaimar Medina, 21, dazzled on the wing. Quick feet. Matte Smets, 22, held the defense. Solid tackler. They shone amid the chaos. Genk fought back from deficits twice. That grit caught scouts' attention.
And Genk's youth pipeline runs deep. Konstantinos Karetsas, just 18, sat out injured. But clubs track him hard. AC Milan scouted him in a prior game. Manchester United and Newcastle watch close. He's scored in Europe already. Genk protects its stars. Contracts run long. But big money tempts.
Belgium's league serves as a scout's dream. Low pressure. High skill. Players develop fast. Premier League sides love it. They've raided often. Chelsea grabbed Romelu Lukaku years back. Manchester City took Jeremy Doku. Now, this Genk group steps up. The 3-3 thriller gave perfect showcase.
Key Details
The match unfolded at Genk's Luminus Arena. Kickoff Thursday night. Dinamo struck first. Genk equalized quick. Back and forth. Three goals each. Scouts noted every move.
Player Profiles
Zakaria El Ouahdi anchored midfield. He's Moroccan-born. Versatile. Can play box-to-box. This season, he's started most games. Two goals, three assists in league play. Chelsea likes his energy. Fits their high press.
Yaimar Medina dazzled. Colombian winger. 21 years old. Blistering pace. Dribbles past defenders easy. He's netted four times this term. PSG eyes wingers like him. Creative spark.
Matte Smets led the backline. 22-year-old center back. Belgian youth international. Tall, strong in duels. Clean tackling. Manchester United needs depth there. He's on their list.
In total, 23 scouts. That's huge. From England, France, Germany, Netherlands. Sporza, the Belgian outlet, broke the numbers first. They named the clubs. Chelsea. Man City. United. PSG. More.
Genk drew. But performance impressed. They created chances. Defended late. The trio logged full minutes. No subs. Scouts got full view.
"These boys have something special. The interest from top clubs shows we're doing right by them." – Genk academy director Pieter Broeckaert
Other rumors swirl too. Arsenal chases Newcastle's Anthony Gordon. Liverpool eyes Nottingham Forest's Murillo. But Genk's night stood out. Pure talent on display.
Clubs like Real Madrid eye Arsenal defender Gabriel. And Juventus eyes Liverpool's Alisson. Transfer market buzzes. Genk joins the mix.
What This Means
Interest like this changes Genk's summer. Players dream big. El Ouahdi could fetch 20 million euros. Medina maybe 25. Smets around 15. Genk won't sell cheap. But bids will come.
For Chelsea, it's squad building. They need midfield steel. United seeks youth. Defense thin. PSG always hunts gems. City too. Competition heats.
Genk benefits. Sales fund more youth. Cycle continues. Players get Premier League shot. Or Ligue 1. Bundesliga. Life changer.
But no deals yet. Scouts watch. Reports build. Agents talk. Summer window looms. Genk focuses now. Europa run alive. League title chase on.
Big clubs watch close. Genk trio in spotlight. Moves likely. Who grabs first?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the three Genk players scouted?
Zakaria El Ouahdi, Yaimar Medina and Matte Smets. All featured in the 3-3 draw.
Which clubs sent scouts?
Chelsea, Manchester United, PSG, Manchester City, Ajax, Newcastle, Napoli and Borussia Dortmund among 23 total.
What happened in the match?
Genk drew 3-3 with Dinamo Zagreb in Europa League group stage. High-scoring thriller.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Genk trio being scouted?
Zakaria El Ouahdi (midfielder, 24), Yaimar Medina (winger, 21), Matte Smets (defender, 22).
What was the match result?
Racing Genk drew 3-3 with Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League.
Which clubs showed interest?
Chelsea, Manchester United, PSG, Manchester City, Ajax, Newcastle, Napoli, Borussia Dortmund.
