Latest news with #ElKhannouss
Morocco World
13 hours ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Bayer Leverkusen Target Leicester's Bilal El Khannouss
Rabat — Moroccan international and Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss is currently under Bayer Leverkusen's radar as they look to fill the void left by Florian Wirtz's departure to Liverpool. The 21-year-old Moroccan international finds himself in an uncertain position after Leicester's relegation to the Championship following their 18th-place finish in the 2024-25 Premier League season. Despite the Foxes' struggles, El Khannouss showed promise during his debut campaign in English football. Leicester signed El Khannouss from Belgian club Genk last summer for £21 million. During his 32 Premier League appearances, the midfielder showed prowess, delivering solid performances despite his team's disappointing results and scoring two goals and three assists. Now, Leverkusen sees an opportunity. The German club recently sold their star playmaker Wirtz to Liverpool for a massive £116 million, leaving them with both the funds and the need to find a creative spark for their midfield. According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Leverkusen has already made contact regarding El Khannouss' terms. The Bundesliga runners-up had tracked the young midfielder during his time at Genk and now view this summer as the perfect moment to make their move. Manager Erik ten Hag wants to bring El Khannouss to the BayArena, where he would link up with fellow Moroccan Amine Adli. The club sees the Leicester man as the ideal candidate to help maintain their creative output following significant squad changes. Leverkusen won't have a clear path to El Khannouss, though. Wolverhampton Wanderers have also shown interest, reportedly considering him as a potential replacement for Matheus Cunha. The transfer looks feasible from a financial standpoint. Reports suggest El Khannouss has a release clause worth £22 million in his Leicester contract. For Leverkusen, flush with cash from the Wirtz sale, meeting that figure shouldn't present major obstacles. El Khannouss faces a crucial decision about his future. He can either help Leicester bounce back to the Premier League or take the next step in his career with a move to Germany's top flight. The Atlas Lion has already proven he can compete at the highest level during his Premier League stint. A switch to Leverkusen would offer him the chance to play Champions League football and continue his development under ten Hag's guidance. With Leicester's relegation confirmed and Leverkusen's genuine interest, this transfer story could develop quickly as the summer window progresses.
Morocco World
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Bilal El Khannouss on Wolves Radar to Replace Cunha
Wolverhampton Wanderers are eyeing Leicester City's Bilal El Khannouss as a priority signing this summer under Vítor Pereira. With Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha tipped for a move to Manchester United, Wolves are already planning for life without their main creative outlet. According to GiveMeSport , Pereira believes El Khannouss would be the perfect addition to fill the creative void in the final third. The 21-year-old has caught the eye with a strong season at Leicester, despite the club's relegation. In 36 games he played this season, El Khannouss scored 3 goals and provided 6 assists. But these stats do not give the full picture. The Moroccan is intelligent on the ball and has great decision-making and vision, which has earned him praise from scouts, with football talent spotter Jacek Kulig describing him as 'outstanding'. Wolves have already moved to strengthen the defence with the $22m signing of Emmanuel Agbadou from Reims in January. The focus now shifts to midfield. Leicester, however, are playing hardball. The Foxes won't entertain offers below $30m, and see El Khannouss as one of their key assets for an immediate push back to the Premier League. Wolves may soon submit a formal bid to test their resolve, but they're not alone. Arsenal have also been monitoring the situation closely, with Mikel Arteta reportedly an admirer of the budding playmaker's style and temperament. Tags: Atlas LionsBilal El KhannoussLeicesterWolves
Daily Mirror
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal eye Leicester star Ruud van Nistelrooy made feelings very clear about
Arsenal are set for a busy summer transfer window as boss Mikel Arteta looks to boost his squad ahead of another expected Premier League title challenge next season Arsenal are sizing up a move for Leicester starlet Bilal El Khannouss, who has received a vote of confidence from boss Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Gunners are looking to bolster Mikel Arteta's options across the pitch ahead of another title push next season. Arteta's men have finished as runners-up in the last two campaigns and look set to end up second for a third time on the trot this term. One area that needs reinforcements is attacking midfield. Captain Martin Odegaard has been a virtual ever-present under Arteta when he has not been injured. But the Norwegian has struggled for form since returning from an ankle problem. There is no player capable of truly replacing Odegaard within Arteta's set-up. That has led to Arsenal turning their to potential candidates to act as competition for their skipper next season. Fabio Vieira could be an option, but given his struggles on loan at Porto, it appears his time at the Emirates Stadium is over. That has led to the emergence of El Khannouss as a potential option. The 20-year-old only joined Leicester from Genk last August in a £21million deal. But he has shone in what has been a woeful season for the Foxes as they have gone straight back down to the Championship. According to The Sun, Arsenal are monitoring the young playmaker, who was named Genk's player of the season in his final year in Belgium. There are concerns about his physicality, but his 'incredible technique and vision' have impressed the Gunners. It is said he could be a 'useful squad addition' for Arteta and Leicester's relegation means he could be relatively cheap, despite having three years to run on his contract. El Khannouss has scored three goals and notched five assists in his 35 appearances across all competitions. Van Nistelrooy is clearly a big fan of El Khannouss, having named him in every Premier League starting line-up of his tenure at the King Power Stadium. The Dutchman has even claimed the midfielder has the ability to star in the Champions League. 'His potential is there to be a top player in the Champions League. He can go a long way," the Leicester said earlier this season. 'He's not afraid to challenge the big teams in the league. 'He did very well in the home game (against Manchester City). He's young, he came into the Premier League this season. He's developing really well. He's looking to add to his numbers. It's a matter of time, the goals and assists, there are still games for him to add to those numbers. 'He's a hard worker, he wants to improve. He's very young still. He's one definitely for the future of this club, to bring the club forward. He's come from the Belgian league to the Premier League. He's playing into a team where we're in the situation where we are. 'He's a technical player and he needs to be on the ball a lot. That's where his strengths are. For where we are, sometimes there are different games for him, but for his development it's great."
Morocco World
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
El Khannouss Draws Arsenal Interest as Leicester Braces for Summer Exodus
Arsenal are weighing a $35m move for Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, as the relegated Foxes brace for a summer of departures following their dramatic drop to the Championship. The 20-year-old Moroccan has enjoyed a breakout campaign in his debut Premier League season, featuring in 34 matches, scoring three goals and providing five assists. Signed from Genk last summer for $25m, El Khannouss has impressed with his vision, technique and composure under pressure – traits that have reportedly caught Arsenal's eye. El Khannouss's future, like that of many of his teammates, is now uncertain following Leicester's confirmed relegation. With finances tight and a rebuild imminent, the club may be forced to sell key assets, and the Moroccan playmaker is among the most valuable, but he is not alone on the transfer list. Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is expected to depart after his £9m relegation release clause was triggered. Forward Patson Daka, who failed to replicate his Salzburg form in England, is being courted by Everton. Meanwhile, veteran Jamie Vardy has announced his exit after 13 years of service, and Harry Winks is also expected to move on. El Khannouss, under contract until 2028, would represent a long-term addition for Arsenal, who see him as a midfield investment for the future. Leicester, on the other hand, may have little choice but to cash in. Tags: ArsenalBilal El KhannoussEnglish Premier LeagueLeicester
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Report: Leicester Set Price for Bilal El Khannouss Amid Interest
Leicester City's precarious position in the Premier League table has prompted speculation regarding the future of Bilal El Khannouss. The talented midfielder, who arrived from Genk last summer in a £21 million deal, has been a rare bright spark in a challenging campaign for the Foxes. With just four wins to their name, Leicester currently sit second-bottom, six points adrift of safety. If they do succumb to relegation, interest in El Khannouss is expected to intensify, given his technical quality and potential to develop into a top-class playmaker. Reports have linked Liverpool with a potential move for El Khannouss, but sources indicate that he is not presently on their radar. While the Merseyside club previously assessed him during his time at Genk, they opted against making a move due to concerns over the valuation Leicester eventually paid. Liverpool's recruitment strategy has historically focused on securing value in the market, and while El Khannouss remains an intriguing talent, there is no immediate indication that they will revive their interest this summer. That being said, his ability to operate as both an attacking midfielder and winger makes him an attractive proposition for any Premier League side seeking creative reinforcements. Leicester find themselves in a relatively strong negotiating position concerning El Khannouss' future. The Moroccan international is under contract until 2028, and crucially, his deal does not include a relegation release clause. As a result, the Foxes are under no obligation to part ways with one of their prized assets at a cut price. Sources suggest it would take a bid in the region of £40 million to persuade Leicester to sell, even if they do drop into the Championship. The radar chart from FBref, created via provides a percentile-based analysis of Bilal El Khannouss' performance over the past 365 days, comparing him against other attacking midfielders and wingers. The chart evaluates three key areas: attacking (blue), possession (beige), and defending (red). El Khannouss' attacking output appears relatively modest, with his non-penalty expected goals (npxG) and expected assisted goals (xAG) falling in the lower percentiles. His assists (26th percentile) and shot-creating actions (12th percentile) indicate he is not currently among the most productive attacking midfielders in terms of direct goal involvement. A significant strength of El Khannouss is his ability to retain and distribute the ball. His pass completion rate (80th percentile) and progressive passing metrics (84th percentile in progressive passes, 69th percentile in progressive carries) suggest he is an effective link-up player who helps in ball progression. However, his successful take-ons (38th percentile) indicate that he does not frequently beat opponents in one-on-one situations. Where El Khannouss truly stands out is in defensive contributions. He ranks highly in tackles and interceptions (89th percentile), aerial duels won (92nd percentile), and dribblers tackled (92nd percentile). These stats suggest he is an aggressive defender for an attacking midfielder, excelling in pressing and ball recovery. The data paints El Khannouss as a defensively strong, possession-oriented midfielder rather than a prolific creator or goal threat. His ability to win aerial duels and break up opposition play is notable, making him a valuable asset for teams that require defensive work rate from their attacking midfielders. Credit: Data provided by FBref via Despite their struggles, Leicester still have a slim chance of avoiding the drop. They trail Wolves by six points and have a daunting run-in featuring fixtures against Manchester United, Manchester City, and Newcastle. However, crucial meetings with fellow strugglers Wolves, Ipswich, and Southampton could prove decisive in their battle for survival. From El Khannouss' perspective, he is not actively pushing for an exit but could be tempted by a move should a Premier League club present a compelling offer. Leicester, meanwhile, view him as a crucial figure in their plans, whether in the top flight or the Championship, and believe he could be instrumental in their bid for an immediate return should they be relegated.
