Leicester City have rejected another approach from Crystal Palace for star man Bilal El Khannouss as interest in him continues to mount, reports Sacha Tavolieri.
Leicester City endured a challenging summer in the build-up to the 2025/26 season, but they began their campaign in winning fashion on Sunday afternoon. LCFC came from behind to defeat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1, marking Marti Cifuentes’ first game with three points.
The Foxes have not backed that result up though. They were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League One Huddersfield Town, before being beaten 2-1 by Preston North End at the weekend.
LCFC - Leicester City boss Marti Cifuentes and assistant Xavi Calm
Image courtesy of: ANDREW BOYERS/REUTERS.
Perhaps surprisingly, Bilal El Khannouss was named in the starting XI once again at Preston despite the ongoing speculation around his future. The Moroccan playmaker, heavily linked with a move away and reportedly the subject of talks with Leeds United, silenced the speculation for the day by delivering both assists in a standout performance.
According to reporter Sacha Tavolieri, via X, Leicester City have rejected a bid from Crystal Palace for his services. With current Palace talisman Eberechi Eze looking set to leave the club, they want the Moroccan to replace him.
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It is one of many bids Palace have made for El Khannouss so far this window. Talks are expected to continue in the early part of this week.
Sunderland, Newcastle United and West Ham United have all also been keen on the LCFC star.
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Bilal El Khannouss could be one of many more Leicester City outgoings
As the summer transfer window opened, Leicester City were widely expected to lose two players to higher-level moves: Bilal El Khannouss and goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
Both had been at the centre of transfer speculation throughout the summer, and Hermansen has already departed, sealing a move to West Ham last week. El Khannouss may well be next, but he is not the only one who could depart.
LCFC - Leicester City man Bilal El Khannouss
Image courtesy of: PAUL CHILDS/REUTERS.
Another key player, Harry Winks, may also be set to leave in this window. Clubs across Europe are keen on the former Spurs man.
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Losing Winks, El Khannouss, along with Wilfried Ndidi, who has joined Besiktas, would be a massive blow. Given the start to the season they have had, it is not something LCFC needs.
Bilal El Khannouss’ Leicester City stats – via Transfermarkt
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His sale could be crucial to the last two weeks of the window
Leicester City have repeatedly walked a fine line with financial rules and were charged with another breach earlier this year, raising the threat of a points deduction.
To ease pressure and fund new signings, significant sales may be required. Losing El Khannouss wouldn’t be ideal given his talent and long-term value, but a transfer seems likely, with the funds potentially reinvested into strengthening Cifuentes’ squad.
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