Crystal Palace will not sign 21-year-old Moroccan playmaker Bilal El Khannouss from EFL Championship club Leicester City in the summer transfer window.
According to an update by Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett, Bilal El Khannouss has been the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles have been keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a versatile playmaker in the summer transfer window after parting ways with Eberechi Eze. So, the 21-year-old Leicester City prospect emerged as a target for the South London club.
However, a summer move for the African playmaker has collapsed, as the Foxes have raised their asking price to sell him. With James Justin and Kasey McAteer departing from the King Power Stadium, Leicester City’s need to meet the PSR regulations has ended. So, they are now demanding £35 million to part ways with El Khannouss, with Crystal Palace unwilling to meet the new valuation.
Bilal El Khannouss and his time at Leicester City so far
Bilal El Khannouss has made positive strides since joining Leicester City from KRC Genk last summer. Despite failing to be as productive as he would have liked, the 21-year-old has been impressive in the final third for the Midlands outfit. He has also started the new campaign well, chipping in with two assists in as many EFL Championship outings.
The Moroccan international has made nearly 50 appearances thus far for Leicester City while chipping in with three goals and seven assists. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several Premier League clubs, with Crystal Palace among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.
Premier League return on the horizon?
Crystal Palace’s interest in Bilal El Khannouss has been understandable. The Eagles have been scouring the market for a versatile attacker this summer as they prepared to part ways with Eberechi Eze. The English international has joined Arsenal, leaving a gaping hole in the offensive unit at Crystal Palace.
So, El Khannouss has been a top target to replace Eze in the summer transfer window, with the young playmaker reportedly keen on joining the South London club. However, the latest update has brought bad news for Crystal Palace fans, as the move has collapsed due to Leicester City’s increased price.
Recent reports have suggested that Crystal Palace will likely sign El Khannouss for around £32 million. However, the Foxes have raised the price to £35 million, compelling the 2024/25 FA Cup winners to look elsewhere for a new attacker. That player will be Yeremy Pino, with the Villarreal winger on the verge of joining Crystal Palace.