Leicester City could be planning for life in the Championship next season, and one player could save Ruud van Nistelrooy millions in the transfer market.
Leicester would have to pull off a great escape, just as they did in 2014/15, to survive relegation this term. Remarkably, it would also require them to make history.
No team has ever survived in the Premier League after taking just 17 points from their opening 27 games, leaving Ruud van Nistelrooy with an impossible task.
The Dutchman’s appointment has been a complete disaster, collecting seven points from a possible 42 while losing 11 of his last 12 in the league.
During a dark time for the football club, with very little to shout about, summer signing Bilal El Khannouss has been a shining light.
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
Bilal El Khannouss could attract transfer interest this summer
El Khannouss was signed for £21 million from Genk, becoming one of nine players to arrive at the King Power Stadium in that window.
But whilst most of Steve Cooper’s signings have failed, the Moroccan has been a real success story, entertaining supporters with his nonchalance on the ball and incredible work rate without it.
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Jermaine Beckford has praised El Khannouss as ‘something special’, and the 20-year-old is destined to reach the very top with his skill set.
Former Genk coach Michel Ribeiro has backed El Khannouss to play at a team like Arsenal in a recent interview, with the statistics indicating why.
The 2004-born attacking midfielder ranks in the top 11% for progressive passes when compared to players across Europe and the top 17% for passes attempted, as highlighted by FBref.
And while Leicester fans are enjoying watching him thrive, he’ll likely exit the club this summer, especially if relegation is confirmed.
Will Alves can save Leicester millions
Leicester could pocket a decent profit on the £21m they paid for El Khannouss, should they decide to sell him, and supporters will wonder who can replace him.
Luckily, Van Nistelrooy shouldn’t have to look far for a successor to the Moroccan, as academy graduate Will Alves is ready to take the first-team by storm.
Alves is currently thriving on loan at Cardiff, and much like El Khannouss, is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or winger.
Leicester youngster Alves has ‘bags of potential’, and former manager Brendan Rodgers noticed this after handing him his FA Cup debut as a 16-year-old in 2022.
“He’s got that youthful spirit, that joy. He was bright. He’s waited all his life for that moment. He loves being at Leicester,” Rodgers said via Leicestershire Live.
“The supporters will be excited. But it’s different level and if you have too many touches. you lose the ball. I’ve loved having him over with the first team, he’s got big talent.”
The 19-year-old has an exciting future in store, and he could be the perfect replacement for El Khannouss should he move on.