Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss wants to join Premier League Crystal Palace but a bid is yet to be accepted by his current club, according to Ben Jacobs.
Leicester City endured a difficult summer leading into the 2025/26 campaign, but they kicked things off in positive fashion with a 2-1 comeback win over Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday afternoon. The result ensured Marti Cifuentes marked his first game in charge of LCFC with three points.
However, the Foxes have struggled to build on that opening success. They were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by League One side Huddersfield Town, before falling to a 2-1 defeat against Preston North End at the weekend.
LCFC - Leicester City boss Marti Cifuentes and assistant Xavi Calm
Image courtesy of: ANDREW BOYERS/REUTERS.
Notably, Bilal El Khannouss retained his place in the starting XI at Deepdale despite the uncertainty surrounding his future. The Moroccan midfielder continues to attract strong interest, with Leeds United and Crystal Palace both eager to secure his signature.
Despite starting the opening games of their Championship season, now El Khannouss has made his thoughts known, and it is not good for Leicester City. According to Ben Jacobs, El Khannouss has declared that he wants to join Premier League Crystal Palace.
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Palace are in the hunt for a new attacking midfielder, with Eberechi Eze looking likely to leave. The Eagles have had offers rejected by Leicester City already this summer.
It is believed that Leicester City want around £30m for El Khannouss. This news also comes after Palace’s other reported target, ex-Norwich City man ChristosTzolis, has been made ‘in-transferable’ by his current club.
Bilal El Khannouss is a Premier League-quality player
Leicester City had little to celebrate last season, and with PSR regulations still looming over the King Power Stadium, the club enters the new campaign searching for both encouragement and hope. One bright spark, however, was Moroccan talent El Khannouss.
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LCFC - Leicester City man Bilal El Khannouss
Image courtesy of: PAUL CHILDS/REUTERS.
Although his performances couldn’t prevent relegation, he emerged as a standout figure in an otherwise difficult year for the Foxes. The 21-year-old, who can operate as an attacking midfielder or on the left flank, registered three goals and five assists across 36 appearances.
His creativity and composure marked him out as a player of real promise, one who could develop into a major asset for a top-flight club in the near future. That club looks like it will be Crystal Palace.
Bilal El Khannouss’ career stats via Transfermarkt
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The move could be forced through due to interest in fellow Leicester City star
Leicester City look likely to lose another star before the window closes. However, it may not be El Khannouss.
Fellow forward Abdul Fatawu is now attracting a lot of interest. Earlier today, Sunderland had a £27.5m bid rejected for Fatawu.
Leicester City may only sell one of the pair before the window shuts. Palace and El Khannouss will be determined to get their deal over the line.
Leicester City reject big money offer from Sunderland for 21-year-old star
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