Genk announce signing of Anouar Ait El Hadj on a four and a half year deal | OneFootball

Genk have made their third signing of the winter window, bringing in 20 year-old Anderlecht attacking midfielder Anouar Ait El Hadj. The Belgian youth international has been touted to be a top player for some time, having made his professional debut at the age of 17. Given their current need to improve the financial situation, the Mauves had to allow El Hadj to depart to the league leaders.

Genk have given the youngster a four and a half year deal and will be able to use him as soon as this weekend if they so wish. El Hadj has struggled for regular game time this season, despite showing plenty of promise last year. Under Vincent Kompany, the attacking midfielder played 35 games in all competitions, scoring twice and providing one assist. With Kompany gone, El Hadj has seen a dramatic reduction in game time. He has only played seven times for the first team, scoring one goal. His 8 games for the second team in the Challenger Pro League has been a cause of frustration for the player, who felt that he should be getting more chances with the Pro League squad.

El Hadj joins Yira Sor and Alfred Caicedo in joining the runaway league leaders in the winter transfer window.