Bilal El Khannouss looks like the man who Daniel Farke wants to add to his Leeds United side next. But the deal for the Leicester City man is proving to be difficult.
Bilal El Khannouss shone for Leicester City last season despite his side’s overall poor showing in the Premier League. The Moroccan international joined from Genk and went on to score two goals and assist three more in 32 Premier League appearances for the Foxes.
Following their relegation to the Championship, there has been widespread interest in signing El Khannouss this summer, with Leeds United among those interested. But the Whites are not alone.
It is understood that Premier League rivals Newcastle United are also showing an interest in El Khannouss, whose price tag remains unclear at this moment in time. El Khannouss’ Leicester City release clause expires on August 15th, meaning that Leicester can then command much more than the rumoured £24.5 million release clause.
Bilal El Khannouss of Leicester City.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
West Ham poised to make move for Leeds United transfer target Bilal El Khannouss
An emerging claim from the West Ham Way has revealed that El Khannouss is now a target for West Ham. ExWHUemployee has confirmed to West Ham Way that the 21-year-old is now on the Hammers’ radar after their recent struggles in the transfer market. Graham Potter’s side are also in the market for a creative midfielder, having looked at Leeds United transfer target Mateus Fernandes as well.
But it now looks like West Ham could make their move for El Khannouss with interest in the Leicester City man really heating up ahead of the new season starting. West Ham Way explained on their YouTube channel: “Of course we’ve just done a deal with Leicester we for Mads Hermansen.
“So there is an open dialogue there between the clubs and the fact we just got a deal done successfully leans to the fact that we possibly could go in now and get that get that deal done as well.
“We understand he’s available for about £24.5million pounds in terms of release clause so it’s a lot more palatable in terms of cost… He was on the list for Newcastle. Newcastle were going to push forward for talks with him but I understand they’ve now pulled out because of the [Jacob] Ramsey deal they’ve now got done.”
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They added: “I think El Khannouss is probably one we’re going to test the water with.”
Already though, reports have revealed that El Khannouss is keen to join Leeds United this summer. It’s reported that his representatives have met with Leeds officials and that the player has said he’s ‘very interested’ in the idea of a move to Elland Road.
Leeds United and West Ham tipped to be in relegation fight this season
Leeds United are focusing on attacking signings after completing deals to sign a new goalkeeper, defenders and midfielders already this summer, but West Ham seemingly have the same idea.
Recent reports revealed how West Ham had a bid rejected for Fernandes at Southampton, with the Saints seemingly holding out for a hefty fee for the former Sporting CP youngster. Leeds seem to have moved on from the Portuguese international, but remain keen on signing a number 10 to complement Brenden Aaronson.
Player signed Previous club Transfer fee
Jean-Clair Todibo OGC Nice
El Hadji Malick Diouf Slavia Prague
Mads Hermansen Leicester
Kyle Walker-Peters Southampton
Callum Wilson Newcastle
So far this summer, Farke has missed out on the likes of Emi Buendia, Gustavo Hamer and James McAtee, or just about, and so attentions have rapidly turned to El Khannouss. And whoever wins the race for his signature could well get the edge in the relegation fight next season.
Speaking recently, pundit and former player Stephen Warnock backed West Ham to be relegated next season, whilst tipping Leeds United to be the only promoted team to avoid the drop.
If Leeds United and West Ham go head-to-head in the El Khannouss race, the loser of which could well suffer an early setback in the fight for survival next season.
The Hammers certainly haven’t enjoyed the best of summers so far, but there’s no doubting that signing El Khannouss would be a huge boost for them, as it would be for Leeds.