Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing Bilal El Khannouss, who has been close to moving to Crystal Palace.
Tottenham Hotspur have wasted no time in moving on from the disappointment of losing out on Eberechi Eze to Arsenal. According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Spurs have now enquired about the availability of Bilal El Khannouss, despite the Leicester City midfielder already agreeing personal terms with Crystal Palace.
Eze was undoubtedly the dream target. With James Maddison sidelined long-term, Spurs identified the Crystal Palace playmaker as the perfect fit for Thomas Frank’s system, a creative hub who could both score and assist at the highest level. Talks advanced quickly, and for a moment, it looked like Tottenham had their man. But Arsenal’s late hijack has shifted the balance, and Eze is now set to undergo a medical ahead of joining the Gunners.
That has forced Spurs to pivot quickly. And El Khannouss, who impressed last season despite Leicester City’s relegation, is now firmly back on their radar. Tottenham had tracked the Morocco international earlier in the summer, but their focus switched to Eze once that opportunity opened. With the door closed on that front, the club has revived their interest.
Bilal El Khannouss: A talent with room to grow
At 21, El Khannouss is far from the finished product, but his attributes are exactly what Spurs need. A powerful and technically gifted midfielder, he showed his quality in flashes at Leicester City, often standing out in a struggling side.
Tottenham recognise he may not be at Eze’s level yet, but the potential is enormous. For a club that has built success in recent years by backing young talent and watching them flourish, Bilal El Khannouss feels like a natural target.
The North Londoners are not limiting themselves to just El Khannouss. Reports suggest that the club have also re-checked the situation with Savinho at Manchester City, though Pep Guardiola has made it clear he does not want to sanction a late exit. Meanwhile, Tyler Dibling and Harvey Elliott are also on the club’s radar as they explore creative midfield and wide attacking reinforcements.
Time to salvage the transfer window?
What is clear is that Spurs remain aggressive in the market. Chairman Daniel Levy and Thomas Frank are determined not to let Arsenal’s move for Eze define their summer window. The priority remains bolstering the squad to cope with Maddison’s absence and competing on all fronts this season.
While missing out on Eze hurts, especially with him heading across North London, Tottenham fans shouldn’t dismiss El Khannouss. At just 21, he represents a smart, long-term signing with bags of potential. If Tottenham can move quickly and hijack Crystal Palace’s deal, the Moroccan could end up being a shrewd and exciting addition to Frank’s project.