Leeds United transfer target Bilal El Khannouss has sent a clear message on the quality that he has as he returned to competitive action on Sunday afternoon.
The Whites have held transfer talks over a possible move for the 21-year-old this summer. It is thought that Leicester want a price of around £30 million if they are to cash in before the end of the window.
Despite the speculation over his future at the King Power Stadium, El Khannouss was named in the starting line-up for Leicester’s Championship opener against Sheffield Wednesday over the weekend, and played the full 90 minutes of the match.
The Morocco international was one of the bright sparks of a season to forget for Leicester last time out, and he picked up where he left off in the first game of the new campaign.
The Foxes trailed 1-0 at half time thanks to Nathaniel Chalobah’s opener. But it was El Khannouss who came closest for his side in the first 45 minutes, with his effort from the edge of the area just going wide of the post.
The midfielder played a big part in Leicester’s comeback in the second half, by providing two assist from set-piece situations for centre-backs Jannik Vestergaard and Wout Faes to score and make it 2-1.
El Khannouss himself had the chance to make the scoreline better in added time, but saw his effort saved by Pierce Charles when one-on-one with the Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper.
El Khannouss’ quality in the number 10 role helped Leicester to turn the game around, with him being at the centre of a lot of the good things around the side’s attacking play. He also worked hard in the press to win the ball high up the field.
According to Squawka, no players created more chances (4), created more big chances (3) or provided more assists (2) in the Championship that El Khannouss over the opening weekend.
Following the full-time whistle, a clip shows the midfielder showing his happiness at the result with a little fist pump. He also embraced and shared a word with new manager Martin Cifuentes as the squad made their way around the pitch.
The performance sends a clear message to Leeds over what he can do and the quality that he has. Whether that will prompt the Whites to firm up their interest before the end of the window is still to be seen.
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