Leicester City attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss is of strong interest to Newcastle United, who are looking into a deal, as per reporter John Percy.
Leicester City have had a tricky summer building up to the 2025/26 campaign but they got off to a winning start on Sunday afternoon. LCFC defeated Sheffield Wednesday, coming from behind to win 2-1.
After Nathaniel Chalobah’s opener, a Jannik Vestergaard equaliser was followed up by a late bullet header from Wout Faes to ensure Marti Cifuentes’ tenure got off to a winning start.
LCFC - Leicester City boss Marti Cifuentes and assistant Xavi Calm
Image courtesy of: ANDREW BOYERS/REUTERS.
Perhaps to the surprise of some, Moroccan star Bilal El Khannouss started in attacking midfield for the Foxes amid significant speculation over his future, providing the assists for both goals. Numerous clubs have been credited with interest in the 21-year-old this summer, with Leeds United reportedly entering talks.
Now though, writing on X, reporter John Percy has said that Champions League side Newcastle United are now showing a strong interest in Leicester City star El Khannouss as they weigh up a move before the window’s end.
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Other Premier League clubs are keen on the LCFC talent and he has a release clause – reported to be £22.5m – following relegation from the Premier League.
El Khannouss is under contract until 2028 but widely expected to move on.
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Could Bilal El Khannouss follow Mads Hermansen out of Leicester City?
Coming into the summer transfer window, Leicester City would have widely expected two players to move back to a higher level: Bilal El Khannouss, and goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
LCFC - Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss
Image courtesy of: ANDREW BOYERS/REUTERS.
Both have been the subject of transfer speculation all summer, and Hermansen has now moved on. West Ham swooped to sign him last week, leaving El Khannouss as one of few valuable, sellable assets on the books at the King Power Stadium.
His relegation release clause means clubs will be able to get him for below his market value too. LCFC likely would have demanded a fee far beyond £22.5m given El Khannouss’ potential and existing ability.
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As the window reaches a crunch period, it would not be a surprise if El Khannouss follows Hermansen out the door in the not-too-distant future.
Bilal El Khannouss’ Leicester City stats – via Transfermarkt
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Sales will aid late summer transfer window business
Leicester City have skirted a fine line with financial regulations over recent years and they teetered over it again earlier this year, being charged with another breach.
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It means a potential points deduction lurks over LCFC, impacting them on the pitch. However, it also means that if they want to make further signings, getting sizeable feels from sales won’t go amiss either.
Selling El Khannouss isn’t ideal, as he could be a real standout at this level and someone of huge value further down the line. Unfortunately, a move elsewhere seems highly likely, and the funds can be invested into providing Cifuentes’ ranks with some important reinforcements.
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